Coquitlam Fire Rescue opens registration for 2027 Junior Firefighter Program
Grade 11 and 12 students in School District 43 can apply for a week of hands-on fire training in March 2027. The deadline to apply is December 4, 2026.
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Coquitlam Fire Rescue is accepting applications for its 2027 Junior Firefighter Program, the City of Coquitlam announced on November 10, 2026. Grade 11 and 12 students in School District 43 can apply until 5 pm on December 4, 2026.
The program runs during spring break, from March 12 to 19, 2027. The City says it gives students a condensed version of the same training professional firefighters complete over eight weeks, covering aerial ladder work, rappelling, auto extrication, first aid and CPR, hose drills, and fire ground skills.
Who is eligible
Students must be in grade 11 or 12 at a School District 43 school. The City says applicants also need to meet academic and physical requirements. After applying, students who advance go through a fitness test on January 6, 2027, and personal interviews from January 18 to 21, 2027.
What the program includes
Freshet News covered the 2026 program in March of this year and reported that students entered smoke-filled buildings, operated the Jaws of Life during vehicle rescue exercises, ran high-pressure hoses, and rappelled down a tower. Students also earned Level C CPR certification during the week.
The City of Coquitlam says 94 youth have completed the program since it launched in 2019. The program is a partnership between Coquitlam Fire Rescue and School District 43.
How to apply
The City says applications are available through the online form at coquitlam.ca/JuniorFirefighter and require School District 43 student credentials to access. The deadline is 5 pm on December 4, 2026.
Students who pass the initial review go through a fitness test on January 6, 2027, and personal interviews from January 18 to 21, 2027. The City's program page says the internal review runs from December 5 to January 13.
The program started as a pilot in 2019 with 12 participants, according to the City. For questions, Coquitlam Fire Rescue's Fire Prevention office can be reached at 604-927-6400 during regular business hours.
Questions this story answers
What is the Coquitlam Junior Firefighter Program?
It is a week-long training program run by Coquitlam Fire Rescue in partnership with School District 43. The program gives grade 11 and 12 students hands-on experience with firefighting, first aid, vehicle rescue, and other fire service skills. The City of Coquitlam says the program mirrors the condensed version of the professional eight-week firefighter basic training.
When does the 2027 Junior Firefighter Program run?
The program runs during spring break, from March 12 to 19, 2027, according to the City of Coquitlam's announcement published November 10, 2026. The City's program page says the training takes place over that full week, covering several fire rescue disciplines each day.
Who can apply to the program?
Grade 11 and 12 students who attend a school in School District 43 are eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet academic and physical requirements set by Coquitlam Fire Rescue, according to the City's program page.
What is the application deadline?
The City of Coquitlam says the application period closes at 5 pm on December 4, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the online form at coquitlam.ca/JuniorFirefighter. The form requires School District 43 student credentials to log in and complete the application.
What happens after students submit their application?
According to the City's program page, students who apply go through three further steps: a physical fitness test on January 6, 2027, personal interviews from January 18 to 21, 2027, and an internal review period from December 5 to January 13, 2027.
What skills do students train in during the program?
According to the City of Coquitlam, the week covers aerial ladder work, rappelling, auto extrication, hose drills, first aid and CPR certification, fire ground skills, and community service components. Freshet News reported in March 2026 that the 2026 program included entering smoke-filled buildings and using the Jaws of Life.
How many students have completed the program since it started?
The City of Coquitlam says 94 youth have completed the program since its launch in 2019, including the 2026 group. The program started as a pilot in 2019 with 12 participants, according to the City's program page, and has run each year since.
Where can students get the application form?
Applications are available at coquitlam.ca/JuniorFirefighter, according to the City of Coquitlam. The online form requires School District 43 student credentials to access and complete. Students with questions can reach Coquitlam Fire Rescue's Fire Prevention office by calling 604-927-6400 during business hours.
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