The Edmonton Fire Cadets program is for high school students aged 14-18 who are interested in becoming firefighters.
The Fire Cadet program’s mission is to enable cadets to better understand the firefighting career through an experience that balances both classroom and hands-on learning.
Each cadet will learn mental and physical wellness, a sense of self-responsibility, personal growth, leadership, teamwork, and fire prevention skills.
What Do Fire Cadets Do?
Edmonton’s Fire Cadets take part in a number of learning opportunities, including:
- Receiving CPR and First Aid certification
- Fighting real fires in controlled scenarios
- Learn about many avenues in the Fire Rescue Service
- Practicing search and rescue techniques
- Using rope rescue techniques to climb down a building
Through career internships and work experience, fire cadets can also earn high school credits for their involvement in the program.
Application Requirements
New Physical Requirement
Students will be asked to complete a physical test after their respective interviews.
Qualifications
- 14-18 years of age at start of the program
- Will be enrolled in an Edmonton or surrounding area high school during the next school year
- Physically capable with a positive attitude and a good work ethic
- Able to commit to 1 night a week for 2 semesters (class is held from 6-9:30pm on Wednesdays)
- Successful completion of physical fitness test
- Able to obtain medical clearance from doctor upon acceptance of program
- Able to arrange own transportation to and from the fire training facilities on class nights
The Process
- Applications are accepted between April 1-30 of each year
- Selected students are asked to interview in May and possibly early June
- Interviews will be conducted virtually
- Students will be asked to complete a physical test after their respective interviews on a separate day
- Successful candidates will begin the program in September
Frequently Asked Questions:
Physical Fitness Testing
The Fire Cadet physical is designed for applicants to demonstrate that they have the physical capabilities to keep themselves safe and lessen the chance of injury during Fire Cadet activities.
It is a PASS/FAIL test.
You will not be scored against the other applicants. It is only used to see if you can complete the tasks or not. Applicants are expected to provide their own workout clothing and athletic footwear. You will NOT be wearing bunker gear or SCBA.
The test will involve a 10-minute treadmill test, followed by a 10-minute rest period. Then 4 physical tests done in succession, with a 2-minute rest period between each test.
Physical Testing Location:
EFRS Training Academy (10420-157 Street Edmonton)
Please email firecadets@edmonton.ca if you have any questions or are looking for suggestions/tips on preparing for the physical tests.
The test is to be performed in proper fitness attire and footwear.
No Bunker gear or SCBA.
The applicants complete the test to the best of their ability.
- No touching the handles or treadmill during the test
- Test time starts with the three-minute warmup.
- The cadets must complete the 3-minute cool down at the end of their time.
- Max Treadmill time of 10 minutes + 3 minute cool down
Once completed, there will be a 10-minute recovery time, before the strength and endurance tests begin.
Applicants must perform the required reps for the push-ups, pull-ups and hold of the side plank for the entire test duration.
Reasons to terminate the strength and endurance tests:
- Reach completion of test parameters
- Perform 3 incorrect push/pulls with verbal warnings
- Receive 3 verbal warnings regarding posture during planks
- Joint or muscle pain
Recovery: 2 minutes in between, push/pull and each side plank
Push-ups
- 5 inch prop (chest to prop)
- Metronome set to 80 BPM
- Max time 2 minutes/10 push-ups
- Minimum cadet pass: 10 push-ups
Inverted Row (Horizontal Pull-up)
- 5 inch prop (chest to prop)
- Metronome set to 80 BPM
- Max time 2 minutes/10 pull-ups
- Minimum cadet pass: 10 pull-ups
Side Planks
- Feet staggered, 1 foot in front of the other
- Side plank on both sides
- Elbow or straight arm on floor
- Minimum cadet pass: 45 seconds per side
Farmers Carry
- 20 lb dumbbells (1 in each hand)
- Carry distance 30 metres unbroken
Program Expectations
Time Commitment
Students are expected to make the Edmonton Fire Cadet program a priority. Current and former Cadets liken it to having an extra course in high school, with about 2 hours per week for time commitment (more during exam times).
The course runs for a total of 10 months: beginning in September and ending in June. The program is aligned with Alberta Education curriculum, following a two-semester course (2 levels) format.
Community Involvement
Edmonton firefighters take great pride in being ambassadors in our communities while helping others in need. That's why our cadets are expected to complete 30 hours of community service, 15 hours per semester, to complete the program.
Many opportunities are offered to help complete this requirement.
Learning Topics:
- Structural firefighting
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Basic fire science
- Ropes and knots
- Vehicle Extrication Theory
- Search and rescue
- Hoses and nozzles
- Fire extinguishers
- Ground ladders
- Window Initiated Search (WIS)
- Tools and equipment
- Hazardous materials
- Technical rescue (high angle/confined space)
- Ventilation
- Communications
- Leadership
- Team building
- Resume skills
- Interview techniques
- Edmonton Fire Rescue Services hiring process
- Standard First Aid/CPR
- Health and wellness
- Fire dispatch
- Fire investigation
- Alberta Health Services (EMS)
- Utility Safety / ATCO Gas
- STARS
- Fire Prevention
- Alberta Wildland
Gallery
Program Cost
Through sponsorship with ATCO, the cost to students is minimal.
- There is a $250 fee due at the start of class. Funding support is available for those in need.
- All necessary uniforms and learning materials will be provided to cadets.
- Participants will be required to provide their own running/athletic shoes.
- Students are expected to arrange their own reliable transportation to and from Cadet evenings.
- Locations:
10420 - 157 Street Edmonton
18645 - 106A Avenue Edmonton
- Locations:
The Fire Cadet Program is sponsored by ATCO.
Testimonials
Kaitlyn Hafner, Cadet Class 10
I’ve always known I wanted a career that helps people but never knew where to start. The Edmonton Fire Cadet Program was the perfect solution. I found it difficult to voice my thoughts and opinions prior to the program. I felt like I was the only female, even person, that wanted a First Responder Career. But becoming a Fire Cadet opened my eyes and opened me to so many opportunities. Class 10 was full of individuals who shared similar ideals of wanting to help people. Many volunteers, firefighters, community leaders and dedicated Captains all gave time to teach us and demonstrate what being a real firefighter means.
This program has aided many aspiring teenagers to grow into more confident, brave individuals. The phrase “Be comfortable, being uncomfortable” motivated us all to push ourselves and will inspire many more to come.
Jake Revels Green, Cadet Class 8
I have always avoided group activities, so I was nervously excited when I was accepted into the Fire Cadet Program.
Being part of a team, surrounded by amazing leaders, weekly firefighting activities and learning life skills, helped me become a more confident person.
I am so happy I went forward with my application and did not let my insecurities get in the way of what was one of the best experiences of my life so far.
Contact Us
Before reaching out to the Fire Cadet Coordinator, please refer to the Fire Cadet Program Frequently Asked Questions.
Email firecadets@edmonton.ca
Phone 780-496-8840