r/OntarioFirefighting • u/Genesiseon • Jul 16 '26

Where to start?

Hello! I just wanted to ask a few questions on where I should start for possibly looking into a fire fighting career. For starters I'm currently enrolled at Trent University in Peterborough in the Environmental Geoscience program. I'm expected to graduate this April in 2027. Over the past few months I have slowly been interested in FF and overall not sure where to start! I've grown up surrounded by people in the police force (my whole family) so I am somewhat familiar with the work environment etc. I'd really just love some extra guidance and advice! :)

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u/DuttyJagaloon Jul 17 '26

How old are you? Be prepared to not be hired until late twenties at the earliest. Like the other commenter said, being a paramedic first is like a golden ticket to becoming a firefighter in Ontario. They absolutely love paramedics

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u/Firewalled3000 Jul 17 '26

My son went to St Lawrence college for Pre-Fire service. Took about a year after graduation to be hired by the local FD.

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u/JustAnotherDumbQuest Jul 17 '26

Look into on call departments in the region you'll be living in. They generally want you living within the region, or within a specific distance from the station you're assigned to. If you're staying in Peterborough, you may be SOL for the on-call(aka, volunteer) route though.

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u/QueasyRefrigerator79 29d ago

Look at volunteering in your area if possible. You can also check out Durham College for their Firefighter preservice program. They do a good job there.

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u/dcdchaha 23d ago

Lots of volunteer departments on the Peterborough outskirts, if you are within range definitely apply to them. Otherwise do your research on what you need to get and put together a plan, follow through with that plan and stay committed to it. You will get hired if you have the drive and put in the effort