For more than four decades, Indigenous firefighters from across British Columbia have come together to train, compete, and celebrate a shared commitment to community safety.
Every year, Indigenous firefighters from communities across British Columbia come together to test their skills, strengthen their training, and celebrate a shared commitment to protecting the people and places they call home.
From June 25-27, the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS) will welcome firefighters to Fort St. John for the 41st Annual B.C. Indigenous Firefighter Competition, a three-day event focused on training, teamwork, and excellence in fire service.
More Than Four Decades Strong
For more than four decades, the competition has provided a space for firefighters to learn from one another, build lasting connections, and showcase the skills they bring back to their communities. What begins as friendly competition is rooted in something much deeper: a shared dedication to keeping First Nations families and communities safe.
The annual competition brings together firefighters from Indigenous communities across the province to participate in a series of practical challenges designed to test their knowledge, teamwork, communication, and firefighting abilities. This year, approximately 11 teams and 65 firefighters are expected to participate, with the winning team earning the opportunity to represent British Columbia at the National Indigenous Firefighter Competition.
Prior to competition day, firefighters will spend two days training alongside peers and instructors, building on their skills and sharing knowledge gained through service in their own communities. These training opportunities are an important part of the event, helping strengthen firefighter capacity while fostering relationships between departments from across British Columbia.
Answering the Call
While competition day will crown a winning team, it is also an opportunity to recognize the firefighters who dedicate countless hours to protecting their communities.
From training and emergency preparedness to responding when disaster strikes, these firefighters step forward when they are needed most. The competition celebrates the skill, commitment, and leadership they bring to their departments and the communities they proudly serve.
Jamie Svendsen, FNESS Fire Services Manager, says this year’s competition is shaping up to be a memorable event for participants.
” The FNESS BC Indigenous Firefighter Competition reflects the strength, resilience, and commitment of First Nations communities across the province. This event brings together firefighters of all experience levels, youth, Elders, and community members to celebrate excellence in fire services, share knowledge, and support one another. It is an opportunity to honour those who serve, inspire future generations, and strengthen the relationships that make our communities safer and more resilient.”
Community members, families, and visitors are encouraged to attend and experience the competition firsthand. Spectators will have the opportunity to watch firefighters put their training into action as teams work through a series of challenges that showcase the skill, discipline, and teamwork required in the fire service.
Event Information
41st Annual B.C. Indigenous Firefighter Competition
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Opening Ceremony: 8:30 a.m.
Competition: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial Park, Fort St. John, B.C.
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend.
FNESS looks forward to welcoming competitors, families, supporters, and community members to Fort St. John for three days of learning, camaraderie, and celebration as Indigenous firefighters from across British Columbia come together to honour a tradition of service that has continued for more than 40 years.
Join the Competition
Contact the FNESS Fire Services team to learn more about future training and competition opportunities.
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