Young students with a passion for fire safety have a chance to take on a special role in their community as Kamloops Fire Rescue prepares to select its next Honorary Junior Fire Chiefs to serve for a year, until November 2027.
On November 17, 2026, two students will be chosen at random from applicants in grades 1—6. One will represent Kamloops and the other Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc. Each will serve a one-year term, gain hands-on experience with firefighters, and help spread the word about fire safety.
The Junior Fire Chief program makes learning about fire safety fun and gives children opportunities to get involved in their community. The selected students will enjoy a pizza party with their classmates, ride in fire trucks with firefighters and Sparky the Dog, visit local fire stations, participate in public safety campaigns, and help develop fire safety content for other children. They may also be invited to participate in public celebrations and community events.
“Teaching children about fire safety helps build good habits that can last a lifetime,” said Josh Cowen, Kamloops Fire Rescue’s Life Safety Educator. “The Junior Fire Chief program gives students a chance to learn directly from firefighters, share what they learn with their friends and families, and play an active role in keeping their community safe. We hope the experience inspires them to become fire safety champions at home and at school.”
To apply, students must:
- show a passion for protecting their community and promoting fire safety
- live within Kamloops or Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc
- be enrolled in grades 1—6
- have parent or guardian support, including a signed photo and video release
The online application form will be open November 5–16, 2026. We will announce the new Junior Fire Chiefs on November 17.
For full details and to apply, visit Kamloops.ca/JuniorFireChief.
