The Cortes Fire Department is looking for more volunteers to join our wildfire brigade!

The Wildfire Brigade exists to help protect the island during major wildfire events, through wildland firefighting, structural protection, and support tasks. The Brigade is also a great way to get to know the department if you are curious about joining as a regular member in the fall.

Cortes residents, including summer residents, who are able to attend the training weekend and meet minimum medical and fitness requirements are eligible to apply. If you run, play soccer, exercise, or do physical work you should have no trouble with the fitness test.

We are offering a second course this year on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22 from 8:30 till 4:30 which will be held at Firehall #1 on Beesley Rd. In Mansons Landing. Lunch will be provided.

Wildland Firefighter - Level 1 (WSPP-WFF1) is the provincially mandated basic wildfire training for fire departments. Following basic training we will hold monthly wildfire drills for all members during the spring and summer months.

Online ICS100 training is also required, and can be completed during the following week. ICS100 normally takes 3-5 hours to complete, and is a self paced online course.

The annual training schedule will include basic training (or refresher as applicable) once per year, plus 2 to 4 practice nights.

There is no cost to join, and all training and required equipment will be supplied by the department.

Applications can be found online at cortesfire.org (Or by copying and pasting the link https://form.jotform.com/240993804584265 ).

Please email chiefcortesfire.org for more information.