There are an estimated 3,200 fire departments in Canada, approximately 80% of these are staffed by volunteer firefighters. As a volunteer-driven organization, Redwood Meadows Emergency Services (RMES) responded to 458 calls for help last year.

Every year, Canadian firefighters are injured or killed in the line of duty. This month, we’re giving some tips to protect your volunteer firefighters as we do our work.

SLOW DOWN. AND THEN SLOW DOWN SOME MORE: One of the most dangerous parts of our job is doing traffic management at motor vehicle incidents. When you see emergency vehicles on the highway, slow down well in advance. The slower the better when we have team members on slippery highways and focused on quickly grabbing equipment from trucks! Resume speed only when you are well clear. Treat every firefighter you see working on the highway as a family member, neighbour or friend – because we are all of these to someone in the community.

FOLLOW FIRST RESPONDER DIRECTIONS: Follow the directions of the first responders. Don’t stop to take pictures (we aren’t that good looking!) and don’t ignore their instructions because you feel they’re meant for vehicles and you’re riding a bicycle or walking.

MOVE OUT OF THE WAY – IT’S THE LAW: When you see the big red trucks heading to someone else’s emergency with lights flashing, pull over to the right side of the road and STOP, until the emergency vehicle passes. Once the truck passes, check your mirrors to ensure more emergency vehicles aren’t following before resuming speed.

KEEP YOUR DRIVEWAYS AND PATHS CLEARED OF SNOW AND ICE: Sliding is fun on sleds and skates in the winter, but not down snowy driveways in firetrucks or while carrying emergency gear. If you know of a neighbor with mobility issues, be a snow angel and help them keep their paths and hydrant access points clear of snow and ice.

2024 saw RMES attend 458 calls - the highest number of calls in our history: 215 medical calls, 108 fire-related calls, 106 rescues and 29 hazmat/other calls. Top medical call types were: Traumatic injuries, Falls and Breathing problems. Top fire call types were Alarms, Structure fires and Wildfires.

Fun fact: Our busiest time of day for calls in 2024 was 3pm and the busiest day of the week for calls was Sunday.

RMES members invested 20,562 hours in the community in 2024, training fifty times together in addition to attending calls, doing administrative work, attending courses and community events. It would take ten full-time paid fire fighters to do the work that our mighty group of professional volunteers did!

Over the past 46-years, RMES has had almost 260 members “answer the call” to serve our community. Last year we welcomed eight probationary members and said ‘see you soon’ to several retiring members – they will forever be part of the RMES family. Thank you to our members (past, present and future) and their families for your service!

We take the trust our community places in us very seriously and look forward to serving Redwood Meadows and the greater Bragg Creek area in 2025!

Until next month, stay safe!

Our recruitment cycle for 2025 has now closed. Those candidates selected to attend one introductiory training night will be contacted in the coming weeks.

2024 was the busiest call year in Redwood Meadows Emergency Services’ history.

By the numbers:

• 458 calls (215 medical, 108 fire-related, 106 rescues and 29 other)
• 25 members
• 20,562 hours invested by our members
• Sunday was our busiest response day
• Top medical call types: Traumatic injuries, Falls and Breathing problems
• Top fire call types: Alarms, Structure fires and Wildfires
• Our Starlink unit was deployed 17 times
• We had 3 ‘near misses’ during calls in 2024 where member lives and/or safety was compromised by the public or a patient

Redwood Meadows Emergency Services is excited to announce our 2025 recruitment cycle, welcoming applications from both local and non-local candidates. We're seeking eight dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in our community.

Training Class Details:

• Probationary Firefighter Class begins March 11, 2025
• 8 positions available
• Open to both local and non-local residents

Our Selection Process:

1. Invitation for an Initial Training Night Experience

• Attend one Tuesday evening session between January 14 - February 25, 2025
• Get firsthand exposure to our training environment
• Meet our current members

2. Formal Interviews

• March 1 or 2, 2025
• For candidates who successfully complete the training night

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic team of volunteer emergency responders serving our community. Whether you live in Redwood Meadows, Bragg Creek or are willing to commute, we encourage you to apply and begin your journey in emergency services.

As a volunteer organization, these positions are unpaid but offer invaluable experience, professional training, and the opportunity to serve your community. We provide all necessary training and equipment.

RMES is an equal opportunity organization. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or age.

Ready to take the first step? Submit your application today to be considered for our upcoming probationary class.

Application Page