Nanaimo Fire Rescue

Nanaimo Fire Rescue is hiring permanent full-time firefighters — applications are open now and close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Visit the City of Nanaimo’s careers page to learn more and apply:

nanaimo.ca/your-government/careers/job-postings

Nanaimo Fire Fighters Local 905 will be participating in the annual Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive on September 20th and 26th, with members positioned at local grocery stores between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The Boot Drive is a long-standing tradition in which fire fighters across Canada raise funds to support individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders.

Local 905 extends its appreciation to community members for their continued generosity and support.

Today, we honour the Canadian firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We stand with the families, colleagues, and communities who carry their memory forward.

We also recognize the daily courage of firefighters across the country who continue to serve with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to public safety.

Twenty-five years ago, this photograph captured Ladder 118 of Brooklyn, New York, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. On board were six New York City firefighters who had no way of knowing they would never return home to their families.

A short time after this image was taken, all six firefighters lost their lives while helping to evacuate people from the World Trade Center during the attacks of September 11, 2001.

On that tragic day, 2,977 people were killed. Among them were 441 first responders, including police officers, EMS personnel, and other emergency responders. Of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, 343 were firefighters.

The toll of 9/11 did not end that day. More than 9,400 people have since died from illnesses linked to the toxic exposures they endured during and after the attacks, many of them first responders who spent days, weeks, and months assisting with rescue and recovery efforts.

Today, we remember their courage, their sacrifice, and the families they left behind. We will never forget.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue would like to recognize Eva Walker for her 19 years of service.

Starting as a Fire Dispatcher in 2006, Eva spent many years providing critical communications support and helping guide crews to emergency incidents. She later served as a Training Technician, helping organize training across the organization before retiring in November 2025.

Thank you, Eva, for your service to Nanaimo Fire Rescue. We wish you all the best in retirement!

On Monday afternoon, Nanaimo Fire Rescue responded to reports of a young seagull that had become trapped between two buildings on Commercial Street.

When the bird proved to be out of reach of our animal snare, firefighters accessed the roof and used a rope bag to gently move the seagull closer. Once within reach, crews were able to safely rescue the bird.

A big thank you to the members of the public who called to report the distressed animal. We're glad we could lend a hand and bring this rescue to a happy ending.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue is proud recognize the following promotions within our department:

- Shawn Lewis promoted to Lieutenant
- Andrew Mills promoted to Acting Captain
- Tanner Champion promoted to Acting Lieutenant

Nanaimo Fire Rescue thanks each of you for your years of service and congratulates you as you step into your new leadership roles.

Yesterday morning, we deployed another crew to Summerland to relieve the team that has spent the past week working 12–15 hour days on wildfire operations. Their commitment, endurance, and professionalism have been exceptional. As that crew returns home today, we extend our sincere thanks to every firefighter who stepped up to support communities in need. Nanaimo Fire Rescue is incredibly proud of you. Stay safe.

On Thursday morning, Nanaimo Fire Rescue deployed another crew to the Big Bar Complex Fires near Clinton, BC. These four firefighters swapped out with our first crew, who returned home safely late Friday night.

Shortly after arriving, our crew was redeployed to Summerland to assist with the Bald Range wildfire, which is burning in and around communities on the southwest side of Okanagan Lake.

We extend our sincere thanks to the firefighters who volunteered for these deployments — and to all those who offered to go. Your willingness to spend time away from your families during a busy time of year to support the Province and communities in need reflects the dedication, professionalism of our members. Stay safe!

On Friday afternoon, Nanaimo Fire Rescue received a request from the BC Wildfire Service to deploy a Type 1 engine and crew to Clinton, BC, in support of ongoing wildfire suppression efforts. Within minutes, a full crew volunteered and mobilized, departing on the next available ferry and arriving in the interior later that evening.

Across British Columbia, both volunteer and career fire departments are contributing personnel and resources to assist with wildfire response efforts. Wildfire deployments can extend up to 14 days, requiring significant personal commitment as members spend prolonged periods away from their families while working in demanding and rapidly changing conditions.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue acknowledges and deeply appreciates the professionalism, resilience, and dedication demonstrated by these firefighters. We thank our members for their service and wish them a safe deployment.