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Interested in working to keep communities safe during the 2025 wildfire season?
Nogha Enterprises, a contractor for the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Environment and Climate Change department, is recruiting firefighters.
The company – which is the economic development arm of the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation – ran two fitness testing sessions last month and is still looking to recruit more people, crew supervisor Gilbert Cazon said last week.
To pass the required fitness test for Type 1 firefighters, participants have to carry out a series of exercises while running up ramps and carrying weight – to simulate firefighting gear – in under 14 minutes and 30 seconds.
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Participants who pass this test in the required time can also join fire crews in other parts of Canada, should they wish to do so.
Cazon said the role of Type 1 firefighters is more physically demanding than Type 2 firefighters, who work locally.
“They’re prone to go on exports as soon as other provinces get into bad situations and call for help, and crews are immediately deployed and they’re ready,” said Cazon. “They’re always moving around.”
Prospective firefighters looking to work only within the NWT have to pass the same fitness test in 17 minutes and 30 seconds or complete what is called the Arduous Pack Test, which involves carrying 45 lbs for three miles (4.8 kilometres) in under 45 minutes, said Mike Westwick, manager of wildfire prevention and mitigation at ECC.
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Once someone passes the fitness test, applicants have to complete field exercises and some theory, a danger tree awareness course, and a hover exit course that teaches trainees how to safely disembark from a hovering helicopter, said Westwick.
Cazon said Nogha is in the process of organizing another fitness testing session. People who are interested can give the company a call.
He said he would encourage people from communities outside Fort Simpson to apply, as Nogha may be able to assist with accommodation for those coming from elsewhere for the test.
