The Medicine Hat Fire Service provides services from 3 Fire Stations located strategically throughout the City.

Fire Administration consists of: a Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief Operations, Deputy Fire Chief Administration, Chief Training Officer, Fire Marshal, Administrative Assistant and 2 Fire Clerks.

The operations staff totals 71 members. Four platoons staff the 3 Fire Stations and maintain a minimum of 14 fire fighters on duty in the City at all times. The competency standards for fire and rescue are in accordance with the NFPA/IFSAC certifications. There are over 1200 emergency responses per year including: Fires, False Alarms, Hazardous Materials, Aquatics Rescue, Technical Rescue, through a mutual aid agreement responses include the County of Cypress. Platoons are routinely involved in Fire Prevention Inspections (Company Inspections).

The Fire Prevention Bureau performs technical and field operational work that includes fire investigations, inspections and enforcement of the fire prevention regulations and public education. Duties involve various aspects of a comprehensive fire prevention delivery system aimed at reducing the loss of life and property to fire and mishap. Fire investigations, inspections of public buildings, plans review, fire safety planning, public fire education and code enforcement are part of the fire investigators/inspectors role in the department. The Fire Prevention Bureau consists of a Fire Marshal, and 3 Fire Prevention Officers. All are certified Alberta Safety Codes Officers (Fire) in accordance with the Alberta Safety Codes Council.

The MHFS Training Division offers an in–house training program to facilitate the ongoing training requirements for progression through the Fire Service. This training is provided by in-house fire etc approved Instructors.

The Medicine Hat Fire Service recruits applicants who have successfully completed Fire Fighter level 1 and 2 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 program. Other NFPA Standards such as; NFPA 1031 Fire Prevention Officer level 1 Inspector, NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials: Awareness, Operations or Technician, EMR or EMT training, SCUBA and PADI open water as well as diving experience, and NFPA 1006 Rescue Technician are an asset. Applicants must also have completed Grade 12, and must provide a copy of their drivers abstract as well as a copy of a current criminal records statement. Minimum class 3Q driver’s license required with a good driving record. A non-refundable administrative fee of $140.00 before invited candidates write the Aptitude exam must be paid. 

The recruitment program comprises a series of evaluative measures:

1.       Grading of the applicant’s resume to determine relevant skills, qualifications and experience.

2.       Subsequent invitation to attend recruitment.

3.       Written occupational aptitude test pass mark to be determined by adjudicator.

4.       Successfully completing a Physical Capability Assessment (PCA).  This is a task orientated assessment subjecting the candidate to the stamina and strength relevant to the physical demands of the fire fighter occupation.

5.       Technical fire fighter interview.

6.       Fire Chief’s interview process that addresses individual character attributes and suitability to perform as a team member.                                                                                                                                                               7.       Medical/Physical evaluation