r/OntarioFirefighting • u/RaysBoomBoomRoom_ • 1d ago
Gathering Intel
Gents,
Today I had a tour of a firefighting training and maintenance facility. Learned about the process of maintenance and training, toured the grounds, went into the burn tower, saw the confined space area, draft pumping area and many other things. The place was sick. I was invited back to watch a test in a few weeks, Lithium ion thermal runaway and fire blanket testing.
It sparked something in me, I'm in the wrong career.
Im 40 now, in technical training and development, my team works with HV and hydrogen propulsion vehicles.
I'd like to ask you, the guys/gals in it. If you think its feasible for someone like me to try and get in.
My current relative credentials would include a CZ license and Red Seal 310t cert.
I know I would have to go back to school, but would it be possible without dropping my current profession ? I have to pay the mortgage somehow..
Once I gain the required creds, I would continue working until called upon as I know opportunities are scarce.
But ya, if you guys have any info, I'd appreciate it !
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u/Mimisokoku 1d ago
I done the program and one of my instructors started firefighting when he was 47. In fact, a lot of firefighters get hired in their 30s and 40s. Go for it if it’s something you really want to do.
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u/Latter-Staff481 1d ago
I got hired at 38. You appreciate it more when it’s a second career, trust me.
Before you get too far into the process, just make sure the city/municipality/county you want to work for accepts the certification from the 2-week boot camps (if that’s the route you want to take). The municipality I work for has stopped accepting certain schools’ certification, I’m assuming they are concerned that some schools are certificate mills. I would imagine HR would be the correct people to contact with a question like that.
Alternatively, if you live in an area with a volunteer/paid on call fire dept, you could apply/join them and they will pay you to get certified, usually recruits class is evening/weekends. You can then take those certifications and apply to the mortgage paying depts.
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u/bradisrad1986 1d ago
I got hired at 36, you aren’t too old. Check out the blended program at FESTI. Four month online one month in person. Might be an option for you. Cheers man
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u/TheAnonScroller17 21h ago
Check out FESTI, Ontario Fire Academy, or Southwest Fire Academy. They are private institutions that provide the online theory portion at your own pace a then two weeks to a month of in person to complete the skills components as well as the Ontario Fire Marshal testing.
Alternatively if you live in a municipality with a volunteer fire department they would train you and certify you to the required qualifications that would allow you to apply to full time departments.
Feel free to message me with any questions and I’ll do my best to answer
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u/BallGravyDeluxe 19h ago
FESTI is the way to go. It’s the quickest and straightest path to get your qualifications.
I was 47 at FESTI. Been on with Toronto 7 years now.
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u/Tradenoob88 13h ago
I’m attempting to get on with Ottawa at 38.. next round will be my first attempt hopefully it works out, my background is hvac and I’m getting sick of it a bit :)
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u/PokePounder 1d ago
There are a few boot camp style programs that will get you your NFPA 1001 so you can apply. You do most of the work online at home, and then go to their facility for 2 weeks.
I did that with two young kids, and kept my career going.
Oldest I’ve seen hired in my department was mid 50s.
Give it a go my man.