r/OntarioFirefighting

Hey everyone,
I’m currently training with the goal of attending the Ontario Fire Academy (OFA) and eventually getting hired in Ontario. I’ve been hitting the gym consistently for about 2 to 3 months now to build up my baseline fitness, and I want to get an honest assessment from current firefighters or recruits on whether my physical stats are tracking well for the academy and the CPAT/FPAT tests.
For reference, I have a naturally thick, denser "power" build rather than a naturally lean/skinny frame. Here is where my numbers currently stand:
Leg Press: 500 lbs (5 plates a side) for a 1RM PR / 4 plates a side for working sets.
Barbell Bench Press: 185 lbs for reps (45 + 25 on each side).
Bicep Curls: 70 lbs for reps / 80 lbs PR (using fixed straight/EZ bars).
Row Machine: 100–110 lbs for reps.
Cardio: StairMaster every single day for 10 minutes straight at Level 10 (unweighted).
My main focus right now is ensuring I have the brute power and lung capacity to handle structural turnout gear and the 165-lb mannequin drag without gassing out.
Given these numbers at 3 months in, what should I be focusing on next as I transition into tactical/fire-specific conditioning? Should I start scaling back the StairMaster speed to add a weighted vest, or keep building raw strength?
Appreciate any advice or feedback from guys who have been through the Ontario academies or OFAI testing! Thanks.

Hello,
I’m wanting to apply to firefighting. I’m ex-police, hold all the required certs (NFPA 1001, EMR, DZ licence) but I’m just wanting to get some clarification before I apply.

1. For volunteer/part time firefighting, what are the in-house physical fitness tests like?
2. For services that look for FSO assessment certs, can I do my assessment certifications 6 months before I apply? It states it’s valid for 1 year, but wanted to see if they actually accept it after 6 months.
3. Last Q, I was looking at Hamilton volunteer firefighting, but one of the questions asks if you have 12 months service as FT or PT firefighter. Clearly I don’t, but is this an instant rejection, or do they still look at applicants who don’t have this, who are trying to get into volunteer/PT?

Thank you for any tips/advice! I’m a female, 5’4, in good physical shape but I’m wanting to be as prepared as possible before applying.

Gents,

Today I had a tour of a firefighting training and maintenance facility. Learned about the process of maintenance and training, toured the grounds, went into the burn tower, saw the confined space area, draft pumping area and many other things. The place was sick. I was invited back to watch a test in a few weeks, Lithium ion thermal runaway and fire blanket testing.

It sparked something in me, I'm in the wrong career.

Im 40 now, in technical training and development, my team works with HV and hydrogen propulsion vehicles.

I'd like to ask you, the guys/gals in it. If you think its feasible for someone like me to try and get in.

My current relative credentials would include a CZ license and Red Seal 310t cert.

I know I would have to go back to school, but would it be possible without dropping my current profession ? I have to pay the mortgage somehow..

Once I gain the required creds, I would continue working until called upon as I know opportunities are scarce.

But ya, if you guys have any info, I'd appreciate it !

Hey, looking for some advice guys. Sorry if it’s a bit long winded. Back in 2011 I took pre service fire at Algonquin college. I was 19 and Inexperienced. Due to this I never wasted any more money pursuing a career because I felt I was an unfit candidate.

In 2015 I obtained my az license and started driving truck. I drove tractor trailer for 4 years. In 2019 I decided to change gears and started an apprenticeship at the same company for a 310t which is a commercial mechanic. I work on everything and anything. But specialize in trucks. 2022 I received my red seal and I’m currently still working in the trade and still hold my az license.

I’m a marathoner and ironman (long course triathlete) with a much stronger than average v02 I’m 35 and I’ve been thinking a lot lately I now have the skills and experience to compete with top applicants.

My question is how should I restart? Is 35 to old? Should I retake a blended fast track course? I’m assuming my course is out of date. Can I somehow challenge the exam? To my knowledge I do not have level 1 or 2 certs. Or should I go the volunteer route save money and potentially burn 2 more years but gain more experience? Just trying to weigh my options and not sure what direction I should head. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

Hey everyone, I’m 27 and currently a Red Seal sprinkler fitter, and I’m seriously looking into making the transition into firefighting in the GTA.

I’m hoping to hear from current/former firefighters or anyone who has gone through the hiring process. What would you recommend I focus on to make myself a competitive candidate? I’d especially appreciate advice on the application process, fitness/CPAT preparation, interviews, certifications, and anything you wish you had known before applying.

Also, does my experience as a sprinkler fitter help at all during the hiring process? Any advice on which departments to look into or how to best prepare would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm asking this as a 30 year old software engineer who loathes his job and has been eyeing becoming a firefighter for a few years now. I'm planning to start doing some things while I work to make some progress on it like a DZ license, volunteering, etc.. and the FESTI course in the future.

But before I go ahead with it I'd like a reality check, what do you guys hate about the job the most?

Also wondering if you guys think I could ever stand a chance as a candidate in general I hear it's very competitive.

Anyone know the formula they use for testing? I know you have to score 18 out 30. Just curious of the breakdown. VO2 max=10 sit-ups =5 flex=5 body composition =5. What is needed to accomplish max points...

Thank you for your help

** **Should I go get my EMR first, or just jump straight into a Paramedic (PCP) diploma since it covers more anyway?
• Is it smarter to do a fire program (NFPA 1001) first, or paramedic first, or is there a way to layer them?
• Would doing a fire program in Texas (or another US state) be better than an Ontario college, or does that hurt me when applying to Canadian departments?

Trying to build this the right way instead of wasting years doing things in the wrong order. Any advice appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I’m 30 and currently working in the restoration industry in a project coordination role. The natural next step in my current field would probably be becoming a Project Manager, but I’ve realized that’s not really the direction I want to go.

I’ve been interested in fire protection/fire services for a while, especially becoming a Fire Inspector. I looked into Seneca’s full time Fire Protection Engineering Technician program, but realistically I can’t afford to quit my job and go back to school full time for 3 years. I don’t have much saved, and losing my income while also paying tuition and living expenses just isn’t an option for me right now.

I’m definitely willing to study while working though. I’d be open to online courses, evening/weekend classes, part-time programs, certifications, etc.

Has anyone here made a similar career change while still working full time? If I want to eventually get into fire inspection or a related field, is there a realistic path that doesn’t require going back to school full time for several years?

I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people working in fire protection, inspections, or municipal fire services.

Thanks!