Comox Fire Rescue says the rising cost of living a demographics can present a challenge when looking to have enough firefighters.
That’s according to assistant fire chief Rick Shelton who adds that while they are currently able to meet the demand for service, recruiting new firefighters can be more difficult.
“It can be more difficult holding people because the Comox Valley doesn’t have a ton of employment opportunities for people, so they seem to come and go,” said Shelton.
“While we may get somebody here, it takes up to two years to train somebody up to the standard and then we lose them right away after that.”
Shelton says it is a constant cycle of having recruit classes to have enough firefighters. He adds that the demand will likely only increase as the area is growing quickly with lots of new multi-family units being built.
The cost of living also creates an issue as they prefer to hire younger people. However, the current price range of housing in the area means people who are older tend to be able to afford housing.
“If it did come to a point where we couldn’t keep the number of staff here to meet the required demand for services it would be a reduction in services somewhere along the line that would have to take place,” said Shelton.
The fire department is currently going through another round of recruitment and lieutenant Brent Craven says prior experience is not required.
He adds the best recruits are those who live in Comox, are physically fit and want to help their community.
More information can be found on their website.
