For these reasons, anyone hired for the pecific purpose of initial attack and/or sustained action fire suppression on a BCFS crew must meet and maintain the following pre-employment fitness standard. The current standard is comprised of two main tests*:

1. Pack Test: a job-specific test where participants must carry a 20.43 kg (45 lb.) backpack over a measured, level, 4.83 km. (3 mile) course in less than 45:00 minutes. This test measures both muscular and aerobic fitness in individuals.
2. Pump and Hose (PH) Test: a job specific test using standard BCFS fire suppression equipment. Participants carry a Wajax Mark III pump a distance of 100m, and then are timed to carry rolled hose 300m, and drag one end of a charged 1½ inch hose 200m. This test must be completed in less than 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

* Participants are given 15 minutes rest between the Pack Test and start of the Pump Hose Test and failing any component constitutes an overall test failure.

On April 1, 2012 BCFS Wildland firefighters will be required to perform a new fitness test know as the WFX-FIT test. This test is for out of province deployments only and is a national standard developed by CIFFC. The test is a circuit of four different tests completed in 14 minutes and 30 seconds. In order to simulate the weight of gear; a weighted belt is worn instead of a chest pack, hard hat and hiking boots.

1. Carry a medium pump on back over the ramp 8 times for a distance of 160 metres.
2. Carry a medium pump in hands around the ramp a distance of 80 metres (no ramp).
3. Carry hose pack on back over ramp 50 times. (1km)
4. Pull simulated charged hose 80 metres (no ramp).

What can you do to train for the test?

In order to train for the WFX-FIT test you can follow one of four six-week training programs outlined in the Fitness Training Guidelines. This specific training should help you to complete the training in the allotted time frame to meet the WFX-FIT National Standard of 14:30.