Fire & Emergency Services
Elkford Fire and Emergency Services is responsible for coordinating fire protection, rescue and emergency services for the District of Elkford. This department provides fire suppression and rescue services, fire investigations, fire prevention and life safety education, issuance of burning permits and assists with managing the wildfire fuel reduction program in Elkford.
Looking for a backyard burning permit? You'll find one here.
Looking for information about current fire prohibitions and burning restrictions in the Southeast Fire Centre? Check here.
Need assistance? In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations, contact 250.865.4020 or ecalla@elkford.ca.
About Elkford’s Fire Department
The Elkford Fire Department has a full-time Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief who oversee up to 30 paid-on-call fire fighters from a centralized fire station. The fire station is located at 2300 Balmer Drive—next door to the RCMP detachment office—and it also serves as Station 405 of the British Columbia Ambulance Service. The fire hall is equipped with two pumper trucks, one ladder truck, one brush truck, an Emergency Transportation Unit and a Rescue Unit, fully outfitted with heavy hydraulic rescue tools.
Every year, the Elkford Fire Department promotes fire and general safety in the community through a system of fire inspections and public safety initiatives. The District of Elkford's Fire and Emergency Services department also supports emergency management, Emergency Support Services (ESS) and Search and Rescue (SAR). Additionally, this department also oversees bylaw enforcement and animal control.
History of Elkford Fire and Emergency Services
Established in 1971, the first fire rescue team in Elkford was an all-female brigade of volunteers who bravely fought fires while their husbands worked at the coal mines. Since then, the Elkford Fire Department has evolved to include a diverse array of highly trained brothers and sisters who spring into action every time the alarm sounds.
In 2019, the District of Elkford was recognized by FireSmart Canada for its proactive efforts in protecting the community from wildfire. The District of Elkford was awarded the Community Protection Achievement Certificate, highlighting the ongoing efforts in being a resilient FireSmart community.
Book Your Fire Inspection
The Director and Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services are local assistants to the Fire Commissioner of B.C. As required by the Fire Services Act, the Director and Deputy carry out a system of regular inspections of businesses and facilities in the District of Elkford. These inspections are usually scheduled in advance and are intended to assist you in meeting the requirements of the British Columbia Fire Code.
To schedule an inspection, contact 250.865.4020 or ecalla@elkford.ca.
Become a Paid-On-Call Firefighter!
Are you an aspiring firefighter? Do you dream of making a difference in your community and in the lives of others?
Join our team as a paid-on-call firefighter! We are men and women, from all walks of life, who are guided by strong core values, a commitment to safety, a collaborative work culture and a promise to provide the mountain community of Elkford with lifesaving emergency services that are second-to-none. In turn, we provide our firefighters with everything needed to succeed.
Among other requirements, to be considered as a paid-on-call firefighter for the District of Elkford, all candidates must:
- Demonstrate dedication to helping others and serving your community.
- Be at least 19 years of age.
- Be eligible for employment in Canada.
- Be physically fit and maintain peak fitness levels.
- Reside within the lesser of a 10-minute (or eight kilometre) response time of the Fire Hall.
- Be honest, reliable and self-motivated.
- Collaborate well and work well on a team.
- Be able to take direction and be committed to continual learning.
- Maintain a valid B.C. Driver’s licence of a class required by the apparatus in the Fire Department fleet.
As a paid-on-call firefighter for the District of Elkford, you’ll receive:
- Competitive wages.
- Paid training.
- Reimbursement for travel and mileage.
- Service recognition.
- Clothing, uniforms and equipment.
- Inclusion in the Health & Wellness program.
- Other benefits and perks!
Ready to join us? Apply today at careers@elkford.ca!
Contact Elkford's Fire Department
In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations, contact 250.865.4020 or ecalla@elkford.ca.
FireSmart™ in the District of Elkford
FireSmart leads the development of resources and programs to help Canadians increase resilience to wildfire, and FireSmart BC is the provincial program committed to helping British Columbians reduce their wildfire risk.
In 2019, the District of Elkford was recognized by FireSmart Canada for its proactive efforts in protecting the community from wildfire. The District of Elkford was awarded the Community Protection Achievement Certificate, highlighting our ongoing efforts toward being a resilient FireSmart community.
In alignment with these long-term efforts, as well as an increasing focus on wildfire risk reduction across B.C., Elkford now has our very own FireSmart Representative!
Learn more about FireSmart in the District of Elkford. As part of the District of Elkford's Fire and Emergency Services department, our local FireSmart Representative's role involves collaborating with Elkford’s homeowners, neighbourhoods, builders, developers, businesses, nurseries and other municipal and provincial partners to help reduce wildfire risk in and around Elkford, in addition to increasing our community’s awareness and preparedness.
Contact Elkford's FireSmart Representative
Questions about FireSmart? Contact Tamara today at 250.910.4029 or firesmart@elkford.ca.