Accident Hazards

• Falls from heights during ladder work.
• Falls from heights due to collapsing structures.
• Struck by falling objects during rescue, firefighting or salvage operations.
• Stepping on, struck by or striking against glass, metal or other sharp objects could lead to cuts or scratches, including injuries due to explosions.
• Caught in collapsing or collapsed structures.
• Overexertion in lifting during firefighting or rescue operations.
• Contact with hot surfaces or superheated gases.
• Inhalation of superheated air and/or products of combustion.
• Contact with or exposure to chemical products during firefighting, rescue or hazardous chemical spill operations.
• Interruption of air supply during firefighting operations.
• Injuries due to transportation accidents in responding to an emergency.
• Slips, trips and falls on the fire ground.

Physical Hazards

• Collapse of ceilings, walls, or floors.
• Sudden ignition of gas products ‘flashover.’
• Exposure to heat leading to burns.
• Exposure to heat leading to heat stress.
• Exposure to cold during winter firefighting or rescue operations or water rescue operations.
• Exploding objects on the fire ground.
• Exposure to noise in vicinity of pump or other equipment.

Chemical Hazards

• Inadequate oxygen in the breathing air.
• Presence of carbon monoxide gas and other products of combustion in the breathing air.
• Exposure to chemical during chemical emergencies.

Biological Hazards

• Exposure to communicable diseases while treating people as part of emergency medical related activities.

Ergonomic Hazards

• Physical demands that involve force, repetition, awkward postures and prolonged activities such as overexertion, walking, climbing, standing and lifting.

Psychological Hazards

• Exposure to grave or uncertain danger.
• Exposure to traumatic events [injury or fatality of co-worker, friend, relative, injury or fatality of a child, multiple fatalities at the scene, attempted suicide, or a suicide, DOA, drug overdose, drown victim, burn victim].

Potential for Chronic Health Hazards

• Cancer.
• Back injury and other strains.
• Exposure to disease [e.g. AIDS, hepatitis].
• Cardiovascular disease due to carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals.
• Lung disease from exposure to toxic gases produced during fires.

Step 1 – Submit Application 

Complete the application form. Carefully review each section and answer all questions completely and honestly. All applicants must follow the application protocols outlined in the manual.

You must submit a resume, drivers abstract (30 days), criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check (30 days) and medical clearance form* with your application.

*You will be required to have the medical clearance form signed by a physician and submitted to CRFRS Headquarters prior to participating in the physical fitness evaluation. The medical clearance form is attached in the application manual in Appendix C.

Step 2 – Interview 

Select applicants will be contacted via phone or email to schedule an interview. Interviews will be approximately 45-60 minutes long.

Step 3a – Station Specific Fit for Team Interview

The Fit for Team interview evaluates how well an applicant aligns with the values, culture, and team dynamics of the fire service. 

This includes:

• Interpersonal Skills – Communication, listening, and engagement with others
• Team Compatibility – Alignment of personality, values, and work ethic with our existing team culture.
• Attitude and Mindset – Adaptability, willingness to learn, openness to feedback, and humility.
• Commitment and Reliability – Consistency in participation, follow-through, and support of team goals.
• Conflict Resolution and Emotional Intelligence – Ability to manage disagreements, stress, and challenges constructively.

Step 3b – Firefighter’s Physical Fitness Evaluation

Physical Fitness Evaluation (outlined in Recruitment Manual Appendix B) while wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by the department.

Step 4 – Selection Committee Review 

Review of credentials and certificates submitted in the application process.

Step 5 – Offer of Employment and Orientation 

Applicants will be sent offers of employment if they have met the requirements, including supporting documentation.

Employee orientation is mandatory and includes:

• Introduction to Clearwater County's organizational structure, services provided, and employee benefits. 
• Occupational Health and Safety requirements and responsibilities. 
• Sizing and issuance of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Step 6 – Firefighter Recruitment Training

Attendance on three scheduled weekends is mandatory for all recruits.

This training is intended to introduce recruits to:

• Introduce Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (CRFRS) operations and culture.
• Build confidence and establish teamwork.
• Provide a strong foundation in firefighting principles and expectations for future training modules.

Step 7 – Advancement Ceremony

The Firefighter Advancement Ceremony is a formal event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the commitment, achievements, and progression of our Paid-On-Call firefighters.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

All new Paid-On-Call firefighters are placed on a probationary period for a minimum of six (6) months.

During your probationary period, recruits will undergo extensive training and evaluations to determine ongoing suitability as a POC firefighter. This includes quarterly evaluations regarding your strengths and weaknesses; this will help ensure your success. Applicants who fail to successfully complete their probationary period will be released from Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services.