Firefighting Workshops
Learn what it takes to be a firefighter with the Surrey Fire Service.
Increasing diversity makes better firefighting teams. It enhances the quality of service by reflecting the needs and expectations of the communities served, fosters innovation by bringing together diverse skills, experiences and ideas, and promotes a positive image of the fire service demonstrating its commitment to equality, fairness and respect. To support this, Surrey Fire is offering workshops accessible for everyone regardless of their background or identity.
Workshop details
Our workshops provide information, guidance, and support for people who are interested in joining or advancing in the fire service.
We offer a variety of workshops designed to meet the varying levels of fire experience ranging from awareness to skill enhancement.
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older to participate.
No previous experience in firefighting or participation in any of the workshops is required.
Workshops may fill up quickly. Please cancel any bookings that you cannot attend so others may join.
Recruit orientation workshop
This immersive 4.5 hour workshop equips potential Surrey Firefighter candidates with a deep understanding of the physical testing and skills assessment requirements. Led by current Surrey Firefighters, participants will gain valuable insight into the standards and preparation techniques that can boost success in the hiring process.
No previous workshop experience is required.
Participation in this workshop is soon to be a requirement to apply for a position as a Surrey Firefighter.
What to expect
- Overview of the skills assessment requirements
- Overview of the physical testing requirements with an opportunity to try out some of the stations
- Completion Certificate – emailed to participants to use for future hiring process requirement.
What to bring
- Weather appropriate athletic wear
- Athletic shoes
- Water and snacks to stay fueled during the duration of the workshop as needed
- Proof of purchase and identification are required for entry
- Completed forms: 2025 Waiver for Firefighting Workshop and ParQ-Plus Form
Cost
- $25.00 plus tax (includes a t-shirt)
2025 dates offered
- August 30 and October 25
Women in Firefighting workshops
To view all women's workshop levels and dates offered, you must sign up on our MyImpact website.
- Access a calendar displaying available opportunities
- Read full descriptions of each workshop
- Learn about what you need to bring with you
- Learn how to submit payments and waivers
2025 dates offered
- Information Sessions/Practical Experience: April 5; October 18
- Physical Test Practice: June 7 (2 timeslots); November 1 (2 timeslots)
- Skills Practice: January 16, 30; February 13, 27; March 13, 27; April 24; May 15; June 19; September 18; October 2; November 13, 27; December 11
REGISTER
Open Firefighting Workshops
The following three types of workshops are offered to meet varying levels of fire experience.
Information session/practical experience
This one day (8 hour) workshop will provide an overview of the opportunities and culture of a fire service career.
No previous workshop experience is required.
What to expect
- A review of the various recruitment process steps
- An opportunity to practice the skills required of a firefighter like:
- fire suppression
- self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) donning
- auto extrication
- fire suppression techniques
- You will meet experienced firefighters from the Surrey Fire Service
- This workshop requires strenuous effort and physical activity
What to bring
- Wear steel-toed footwear, if possible. Otherwise, it will be supplied in various sizes that may not fit you best
- Water, snacks and your own lunch
- Dress appropriately in fitness gear
Physical test practice
This half day (3.5 hour) workshop will provide participants with an overview of the requirements needed to be successful during the physical testing stage of the hiring process.
No previous workshop experience is required.
What to expect
Working in groups, you can try out each stage of the physical test to assess your strength and endurance. This will allow you to see if you are physically ready to pass this stage of the hiring process or if you need further conditioning to be successful.
- This workshop will be facilitated by Surrey Fire Service peer fitness trainers who can provide you with improvement tips.
- Further resources regarding our physical testing can be found under firefighter recruitment.
What to bring
- Water and snacks
- Athletic shoes (e.g. runners)
- Dress appropriately in fitness gear
Skills practice
This 2 hour workshop provides those interested in a career in the fire service an opportunity to practice their skills to be better prepared for a hiring process.
No previous workshop experience is required.
What to expect
- The skills practiced will be decided leading up to the workshop date according to the availability of the training grounds.
- A Surrey Fire Service Training Officer will lead these sessions and provide participants with the appropriate level of training and advice to execute the drills targeted in each workshop.
Examples of skills that may be practiced:
Hydrant catching, hose lays, ropes and knots, suppression strategies, engine familiarization, search procedures, auto extrication, small tool handling, ventilation tactics.
What to bring
- Water and snacks
- Athletic shoes (e.g. runners)
- We also recommend bringing steel-toed footwear
- Dress appropriately in fitness gear
2025 dates offered
Note: Space is limited and registration will only be accepted two weeks prior to the workshop date. Please ensure you set your reminders to register accordingly.
- Information Sessions/Practical Experience: February 15, April 12, December 6
- Physical Test Practice: June 21 (2 timeslots), November 8 (2 timeslots)
- Skills Practice: March 8 (3 timeslots), May 31 (3 timeslots), September 13 (3 timeslots)
Forms to be completed