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

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 seven volunteer fire departments.

Our rural fire services are broken into two distinct areas:

• Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service - Fairmont Fire, Windermere Fire, Edgewater Fire, Panorama Fire
• Elk Valley & South Country Fire and Rescue Service - Jaffray Fire, Baynes Lake Fire and Hosmer Fire

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)

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, visit the recruiting page.