Fire Cadet Program

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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.

Apply to be a Fire Cadet

Fire Cadet applications are accepted April 1-30, 2025.

Submit Your Application

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.

Futures on Fire Video

Sponsored by ATCO in 2022, Fire Cadets from Penhold, Didsbury, Edmonton, and Calgary spent the day at the Calgary Fire Department Training Centre building relationships and developing their skills at the first Futures on Fire event.

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
Enrolled in an Edmonton or surrounding area high school
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 fire training school 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
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
Interviews will be conducted virtually

Frequently Asked Questions:

Qualifications and Process

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. They 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)

Preparing for the Physical Testing

Physical Testing Descriptions

Please email firecadets@edmonton.ca if you have any questions or are looking for suggestions/tips on preparing for the physical tests.

Treadmill

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.

Strength and Endurance

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

Muscular Strength

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)

Horizontal Pull-up Bar

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.

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 to complete the program.

Many opportunities are offered to help complete this requirement.

Learning Topics:

Fire Fighting Skills

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 noz

Fire extinguishers
Ground ladders
Advanced search and rescue
Tools and equipment
Hazardous materials
Technical rescue (high angle/confined space)
Ventilation
Communications

Employment Skills

Leadership
Team building
Resume skills
Interview techniques
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services hiring process

Certifications and Awareness Training

Standard First Aid/CPR
Health and wellness
Fire dispatch
Fire investigation
Alberta Health Services (EMS)
Utility Safety / ATCO Gas
STARS
Fire Prevention
Alberta Wildland

Class 9
Fire Simulation
Cadets at Poundmaker
Cadets ATCO Day
Technical Rescue
Water Rescue

Resources

Fire Cadet Physical masthead image
Fire Cadets Physical Testing Descriptions

Fire Cadet Program Recruitment Poster
Fire Cadet Program - Recruitment Poster

Fire Cadet Program - Frequently Asked Questions
Program Frequently Asked Questions

Program Cost

Through sponsorship with ATCO, the cost to students is minimal.

There is a $200 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

The Fire Cadet Program is sponsored by ATCO.

Testimonials

Rachael Ip, Cadet Class 6
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
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

Please refer to the Fire Cadet Program Frequently Asked Questions before reaching out to the Fire Cadet Coordinator.
Thank you.

Email	firecadets@edmonton.ca
Phone	780-496-8840