Youth take part in the Jr. Challenge. Fire Fit Challenge at Redwood Meadows on Canada Day

Young people wondering whether they have what it takes to become a firefighter will be treated to a special surprise at Redwood Meadows on Canada Day.

There are approximately 10 spots left in the inaugural Junior Fire Fit Challenge hosted by Redwood Meadows Emergency Services (RMES) in the community just 16 miles south of Cochrane.

It includes a firefighter skills course for children aged 5 to 11, showing them what it’s like to be a volunteer firefighter in their local community. There will be five stations and each junior firefighter will team up with an RMES member to complete the course.

The campaign sponsored by the WFR Fire Department Wholesale aims to promote education in the field of fire safety and familiarize young people with the duties of a firefighter in a fun and active way.

Fire Chief Rob Evans said emergency services are actively involved in the annual Canada Day celebrations and wanted to offer a new, fun way to sow the seeds of determination for future firefighters.

“We hope we can give them the firefighting bug and get them interested when they get older and can get out and join in.”

“Really, it’s part of what we do as firefighters. We have our own obstacle course that we have to go through every year, and we thought why not let the kids try it and have some fun.”

The challenge starts at approximately 11:30 a.m. and is accompanied by a large, decorative bike parade.

Each participant receives a T-shirt donated by WFR Wholesale Fire & Rescue.

To register, click here. You can also scan the QR code above.

Canada Day is a special time at Redwood Meadows. See the full list of activities below.