The firefighter selection process is conducted by the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department and Human Resources. New recruits will join with recruits from other fire departments in the area and attend joint recruit training sessions with the 5 fire departments from the District of Muskoka. The training program is conducted over a 4 month period on alternating weekends with a few weeknight sessions. The program consists of classroom instruction, hands on practice, proficiency checks and written/practical testing on most aspects of structural firefighting. At the end of the training program, provincial testing under NFPA standards will be administered to each recruit.
Recruit Process
Application:
Those interested in applying to the MLFD can fill out an application form. You can pick up a form at the Municipal Office, Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Volunteer Firefighter Application
Information session:
The purpose of the information session is to provide an overview of the fire service, outline recruit training, job performance expectations and provide the applicant with an opportunity to ask questions.
Next information session: Coming Soon.
Written Examination:
- A general knowledge exam is administered, with sections on verbal comprehension, reading skills, mathematics as well as other general questions. A minimum of 70% on the exam is required.
Interview:
- Face-to-face interview with the fire chief, deputy fire chief and other officers as deemed necessary.
Minimum Qualifications for Being a Part-Time Firefighter:
- Canadian citizen or legal entitlement to work in Canada as a firefighter
- Resident of the Muskoka Lakes area and within reasonable travel time to one of our fire stations,
- High school graduation diploma (OSSGD) or academic equivalent
- Ability to read, write and speak English clearly under normal and stressful conditions
- Valid First Aid and CPR certificates
- A valid Ontario driver's license - Class DZ, or the ability to obtain it, a driving record that shows responsible and safe driving habits and,
- Have a Criminal Records Check completed with Vulnerable Sector Screening