COQUITLAM, B.C., March 12, 2026 – Senior high school students from School District 43 will step into the boots of a firefighter during spring break as part of Coquitlam’s popular Junior Firefighter program.
A Week of Skill-building and Immersive Training
Twelve students in Grades 11 and 12 are gearing up for a packed week of activities from March 13 to 20 at the Coquitlam Fire Training Centre. The students will train in the same space and use the same equipment as regular firefighters during this exciting hands-on program – a shortened version of the typical eight-week basic firefighter training. Now in its eighth year, the program provides students with practical training on a variety of skills such as:
- Auto extrication
- Basic first aid, CPR, and use of an automated external defibrillator
- Emergency scene assessment
- Fire extinguishers
- Hose and nozzle drills
- Ladder climbs, high-angle equipment, and rappelling
- Learn about the importance of the role’s public service
Offered in partnership with School District 43, the selected students go through a competitive process that includes an in-depth application, personal interview and fitness test to ensure they meet academic and physical requirements.
The program encourages participation from a diverse range of candidates and is a key part of the Coquitlam firefighter recruitment and community outreach efforts. Details about the program and a video from 2025 can be found at coquitlam.ca/JuniorFirefighter.
Since its start, 82 youth have successfully graduated from the program. The Junior Firefighter Program gives youth who are considering a career in the fire service a chance to experience basic firefighter training, as well as the community goodwill, pride, teamwork and camaraderie that come with the role.
Corporate Sponsors
The 2026 Junior Firefighter program received financial support from the following businesses through the City’s Corporate Partners program:
- Associated Fire Safety Group Inc.
- Commercial Emergency Equipment
- Container West
- GFL Environmental
- Team Sales Ltd.
About the Corporate Partners Program
Launched in 2014, Coquitlam's Corporate Partners program builds relationships with the business community and provides revenue to enhance City events, programs and services. Benefits for corporate partners include direct public exposure, a variety of marketing and engagement opportunities, recognition in print and online, and positive relationships with the community. Partnership packages are customized to meet the partner’s needs. For more details, visit coquitlam.ca/CorporatePartners.
Media contact:
Chris Fox
Deputy Fire Chief, Operations
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
604-927-6400
firerescue@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.