Now Recruiting: 2022 Fire Academy for All 285 Corridor Fire Districts

This year all of the Highway 285 Corridor fire departments are combining our fire academies into one training academy. This saves your fire departments time and expense holding their own, and trains all firefighter recruits in all districts on the same procedures so we're more effective and efficient responding to emergencies, particularly when providing mutual aid for one another.

Come be a part of our team! Recruiting now through Oct 31.

Scan the QR code in the poster below, or go to elkcreekfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2021...plication-FILL-2.pdf to open the application. Select the district in which you reside on the application, fill out the form, and return it via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop it off at 11993 Blackfoot Rd, Conifer, CO 80433.

Elk Creek Fire Protection District
Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District
Platte Canyon Fire Protection District
Indian Hills Fire Rescue
North Fork Fire Rescue

Join us! Applications due on October 31, 2021.
elkcreekfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2021...plication-FILL-2.pdf

Happy Sunday community! Sundays are great days for filling out applications to become volunteer firefighters! We're waiting!! (And, as you can see below, you just never know what adventures you'll find yourself getting into!)

Go to www.elkcreekfire.org for an application for all five 285 corridor fire departments. Due October 31!

We have extended our application deadline to November 7th!

Apply to be a part of any of the five 285 corridor fire departments. You'll get great training, you'll contribute to your community in an important way, and you're definitely going to have some fun!

Elk Creek Fire Department, Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, Indian Hills Fire Rescue, North Fork Fire Rescue, Platte Canyon Fire Protection District

Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Go to: www.elkcreekfire.org
Accepting applications through November 7th for all 285 corridor fire departments.

Some moments will be challenging, and others will touch your heart. Come volunteer with us - there are seven more days to apply!

www.elkcreekfire.org to apply for all five departments. Applications due November 7.

We've received many great questions from interested applicants and decided to post them along with answers for those who may be out there wondering and wavering on whether to apply. Without further ado...

How long does the Academy last and when does it meet?
Our Academy generally lasts about six months between January and June. It is Wednesday nights and Saturday days (holiday weekends usually off). Depending on availability of instructors, sometimes HazMat classes also end up on Sundays, but that would not be very many Sundays.

Do I need to be a certified firefighter or EMT to apply?
No. Though we appreciate any skills you bring with you, the Academy is designed to teach you what you need to know to become a volunteer firefighter.

Are there any costs associated with the fire academy?
There are no costs for you to sign up. The fire department pays for all training costs, as well as needed books. The biggest thing you would have to buy for yourself is appropriate boots, and EMT type pants. Along the way, you’ll probably come across some equipment that you want to buy for yourself, but that shouldn’t be too extensive. Once you graduate from Academy, your uniforms and bunker gear are taken care of by the fire department as long as you are committed to staying at volunteering here.

I sometimes travel for work, can I miss any Fire Academy training days?
There is a certain number of days of Academy allowed to be missed, we'd need to check with our Training Chief for details. Of course it’s ideal to be at all of them because it’s difficult to re-create some of the training, but we also understand life happens and we do our best to work with you as long as you don’t miss too much. There will be some days that won’t be able to be missed such as testing days and burn building days.

What will I learn in the Fire Academy?
You will gain your structure fire certifications, your wildland fire certifications, and your hazmat operations certifications.

As for training, you will learn all the basic fire ground related things such as how to properly use protective equipment and clothing, how to operate in a fire environment while in structure gear and on breathing air, how to use hose lines/water to attack a fire, how to rescue victims, how to work with fire truck apparatus, how to use ladders, how to use other tools and equipment, and much more.

You will then learn about wildland fire fighting as well as dealing with hazmat situations. There is usually an opportunity to get your emergency medical responder, which is a basic medical response certificate. Some people like to go on to get their EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Certification.

What time commitment is expected once I graduate the Fire Academy?
After Academy, there is a certain number of hours you are expected to be on shift each month. Right now it is 24 (for our department anyway, check with your area department as it may be different), though that has had some fluctuation. That 24 hours can be broken up however you like; you can do it all in one 24 hour shift, two 12 hour shifts, three 8 hour shifts, etc. However, you are allowed to respond whenever you are available from home (if you’re local). So if you’re hanging around your house on Saturday day and you hear a tone, you can respond directly to that tone once you are cleared to do so.

During the year, after Academy, you will also have many opportunities for various training. We usually hold ours on Wednesdays. Also, Volunteers are allowed to deploy as firefighters on out-of-district wildfires once you’re trained, and you would be paid for that. There are also incident management team positions and other logistical opportunities in the wildfire world.

What is the next step once I apply?
Once all of the applications are in, each department will be reaching out to everyone. That should be sometime in November.

We’re happy to chat with you on the phone if you have additional questions, and you can also come and visit us at the station or do a ride along with the crew during a shift. (303) 816-9385

DEADLINE IS TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 7th.

Come and make a difference with us.

Go to www.elkcreekfire.org to submit an application for any of the five 285 corridor fire departments.