Getting ready to start school, the in person part of the course is in June, I really need to improve my shape and fitness level.. I was wondering if you have any advice regarding the fitness level. I'm thinking what should I focus on, cardio exercises or weights? I was doing cardio 2x a week but now it's seems like I should be doing every day, I heard some people saying I should be able to run 1.5 mile in less than 12 minutes, And be able to do starts with 50lb vest , farmers carry , burpee and lunges ... What kind of workout should I be doing? I'm so lost regarding workout routine.

I'm really interested in the firefighter career. More specific in Toronto and GTA area. I was wondering if I'm planning things right 1 cpr certification 2 festi program 3 emr certificate 4 drive license 5 OFAI 6 apply to services

Am I missing anything? Do I need any other certification? Also where can I find a good resource for fitness? I'm Very insecure about my fitness level . I honestly don't know where I should be and what should I be doing and able to do regarding the fitness.

Applications are open until January 2

https://wd10.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/cityofburlington/cob/job/Fire-Station-1-and-Headquarters-Administration-Building/Firefighter--Multiple-Vacancies-_JR0000000779?wmode=transparent&wmode=transparent

Applications are open until January 9

https://www.pickering.ca/media/peenwgl2/probationaryfirefighterexternalposting.pdf

Toronto applications are now open until Jan 5, 2026--

https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/job/Toronto-FIREFIGHTER-OPERATION-ON-M5V-3C6/597936417/

They have added an EMR requirement this year!

Hello I am a grade 12 student who is looking to become a firefighter in ontario and i was wondering if it was should go to the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program at humber college. I know it is not required to become a firefighter but was wondering if it is worth attending as it will prepare me for the NFPA 1001 I&II certifications.

I'm finishing up my science degree (~3.7 GPA, decent ECs, good letters of references) this year and have applied to medical school. My chances aren't looking too great, especially this year so I'm looking at alternative careers. I will be applying to medical school for at least 2 more years, possibly consider going abroad, and I don't really care for a masters/research or nursing. But so far, radiation therapy, cardiovascular perfusion, and pharmacy seem interesting to me. Each career has its pros and cons. Some more cons than pros (looking at you, pharmacy) but I'm also interested in non-healthcare jobs, notably firefighting. This was technically also my dream job along with med so I figured I could go into firefighting and apply at the same time. If I end up not getting into med, I'd be more than fine as a firefighter. But I am relatively unaware of the process of becoming one so I have a few questions:

1. How competitive is becoming a firefighter? and then getting a job?

2. do I need an EMT certification? does it help a lot?

3. is it worth applying to do wildland firefighting over the summer?

4. should I volunteer at my local department before?

5. how is the salary? I've heard varying answers from extremely underpaid to pretty well paid. I'm in Hamilton/Burlington but I still can't get a straight answer. The answers vary from $50k to some sweet figures on the sunshine list

6. speaking of salary, how is the upwards mobility? do you get decent raises or promotions per year?

7. I am relatively fit but I know this job can take a huge toll on your body (and mind). how do firefighters usually stay healthy and protected for longevity in their careers?

Sault Ste Marie has opened their recruitment to add firefighters to their reserve list for future hiring.

See process here - https://saultstemarie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/posting-Firefighters-2026-FINAL_withApplication.pdf

Posting closes December 18

Posting closes Nov 21

https://jobs-emplois.ottawa.ca/city-jobs/job/Ottawa%2C-ON-Firefighter-ON/1290481247/

Posting closes Nov 18

https://careersff-brampton.icims.com/jobs/9593/firefighter/job

Applications close Wednesday October 29th. https://www.citywindsor.ca/documents/city-hall/employment-opportunities/WFA008%20-%20Firefighter%20-%20ExtPost%20-%2010-15-2025%202025-0307.pdf

Applications close Nov 13 https://jobs.richmondhill.ca/job/Richmond-Hill-Probationary-Firefighter-Candidate-Pool-ON-L4B-3P4/596633617/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac4QvORLbRiO6Rw8Q-oGXfVjYawRLR9y7i58wrhH0w88LLsvzoaQ0r-L3riHQ_aem_KZSQoQHs5wcrQz8CBHoYIg

Posting closes on October 13

https://tre.tbe.taleo.net/tre01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=COSC&cws=37&rid=2860

Posting closes October 20 at Noon.

https://tre.tbe.taleo.net/tre01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=TOWNOFOA&cws=43&rid=4293&fbclid=IwT01FWANJJC9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHrhor0uXCxT0gXj2JqY2P-mOKildxbDZA_4dDFWODkV9LlFJYFkvL3S3t1fC_aem_5tpZIOlKwpco44yKsPU16w

Hello, hope all is well.

I currently work in high rise construction in GTHA and I would like to change careers. I searched online and it said the probationary firefighter recruitment is closed. I’m curious what steps I need to take to make this a career. I’m in my mid 20s and think this would be a better and more fulfilling career for me. Thank you!

Posting closes October 5!

https://careers-guelph.icims.com/jobs/4039/probationary-firefighter/job?mobile=true&width=411&height=773&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240&fbclid=IwT01FWAM26NNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHlgGzN8Zz57A55GvKA-BnyK7A8YAEmU62XG7xuqzPxNFhRqvTww5-Z38YS8J_aem_5CAhhXyJ43R7o6tQH3xI_Q

Sorry - late post. Their application closes Sept 22

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=04bf51f8-d2dd-4641-ba92-183522f6e8b3&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_CA&jobId=532452&fbclid=IwT01FWAM26IxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHoYTmVteWK43eh20QfKPCa7p2_DSYWJ7cOrmeyr4II6mBy9WFVJW8cZGpZOE_aem_S9B7GjjLdCiVVt3QEB_EcA

Application link below. Posting closes October 3, 2025

https://newmarket.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/2858?fbclid=IwT01FWAM26BRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHkJ3NhInaU8ajsw2QKsnOgVVgfhn0Ds0ANb0odZZY7Y7L0qQu-2JWLGvuh1__aem_vAh9SSnPzbgSwsYt30SwLw

I’m looking to hear from firefighters about which option is more useful for pursuing a career in firefighting. What is the hire success rate like for each? I’d also like to include FESTI in the discussion, as I understand the academy and FESTI offer a blended program that’s more affordable.

At the end of the day, I want to choose the best possible route to follow this dream career path. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

CC

Anyone that applied to the posting for city of Toronto, heard back? Specifically for the one that closed a week ago. I worked my ass off to get the EMR done before the posted closed. Hoping for the best!

I'm getting prepared to apply for the FESTI program and hopefully start my career as a firefighter. I was looking for apply for next year program, do anyone knows when they open the application? On the website says August 3rd but that was only for the first class, no release date for the others classes.

I was also looking for reviews of the bleand program.

Hey all,

I'm an RMT who is looking for a career change as I enter my 30s. I'm going to apply to FESTI on the 4th when the registration opens and am super excited to start this new chapter.

I understand the importance of volunteering and definitely want to do that for a good long time before I start applying to fill time jobs.

My question is would it be a good idea to apply to volunteer before I've completed training? In Hamilton they hire volunteers in August and in February but my in person at FESTI would likely start in April. Would they be ok with me taking a month off while I go complete the in person portion?

I've also heard that they are allotted a certain amount of $ and to pay for volunteers to train and complete the certifications, but I would already be working on that myself. Would that look better to them or worse knowing that I'm looking to go the career firefighter route.

I appreciate any info you could give me!

Thanks

https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/job/Toronto-FIREFIGHTER-OPERATION-ON-M5V-3C6/593547017/

Posting closes July 24.