Fire and Rescue Departments

Firefighter: It's not something you do.
It's something you are.

OUR DEPARTMENTS

They risk their lives to protect their community. They train and practice so they are ready for the call when it comes. They give tirelessly when called into action. They support community events and are part of the heart of our communities. They are the men and women who make up the RDEK's paid-on-call fire departments.

A region-wide firefighter recruitment drive is underway in the Regional District of East Kootenay. The RDEK has fire departments in Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Elko, Hosmer, Fairmont, Windermere, Edgewater and Panorama. Aside from the incredible training and leadership development, lifesaving first aid skills, and the reward of knowing you are helping your community, our firefighters all receive on-call pay and are eligible for extended benefits.

Find details on the department nearest you, below:

Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue (click here to open)

The Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service (EVSC) consists of four Fire Departments:

  • Jaffray (main station)
  • Baynes Lake
  • Elko
  • Hosmer Fire  

While there are four separate Fire Halls, we often work together during training events and incidents.  We are actively recruiting for new firefighters.  Please visit our department page to learn more.

CLICK HERE to visit the EVSC page.

Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service (click here to open)

The Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service (CVFRS) consists of four Fire Departments:

  • Windermere (main station)
  • Fairmont
  • Edgewater
  • Panorama 

While there are four separate Fire Halls, we often work together during training events and incidents. 

CLICK HERE to visit the CVFRS page.

In addition, we have contracts with a number of municipalities to provide fire service to the rural areas just outside of their boundaries. These include:

  • Area A: Fernie Rural Fire (provided by the City of Fernie), and Upper Elk Valley Fire (provided by the District of Sparwood)
  • Area C: Cranbrook Rural Fire (provided by City of Cranbrook)
  • Area F: Invermere Rural Fire, and Wilmer/LowerToby Benches Fire (provided by the District of Invermere)
  • Area G: Radium Golf Resort and Dry Gulch Fire, and Brownsville Fire (provided by the Village of Radium Hot Springs)
JOIN OUR TEAM!

It takes a special person to fill a firefighter's boots, and the RDEK's fire and rescue services are looking for men and women with courage, dedication and commitment to join our crew.  If you'd like to learn more about the opportunities available through our fire departments, please contact the department near you:

Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Service:

Chief Michael Hockley
Deputy Chief Ben Goertzen
Assistant Chief Rachel Engelhardt 
250-429-3133
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
 

Columbia Valley Rural Fire Rescue Service:


Chief Drew Sinclair
Deputy Chief Jon Tames
Assistant Chief Joss Advocaat
250-342-6214
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Last edited: Wed, October 02, 2024 - 11:46:24