Life at the Fire Hall

Life at the fire hall is always the same, whether it’s a Monday in February or Christmas Eve. It’s a place that’s specially designed for the firefighters’ daily life as a group, in every season and throughout the day and night.

7:00 a.m.: The day shift takes over from the night shift, and a new day at the fire hall begins. After the report on the latest emergencies, the firefighters inspect the trucks and get ready to do housekeeping in the fire hall. While some firefighters prepare meals in the kitchen, others check their emergency radio and respirator to make sure everything is working properly.

Life at the Fire Hall – Alexandre Roy (subtitles available in FR and EN) – Watch the video with the transcript (EN).

11:00 a.m.: Checks are finished. If there haven’t been any alarms yet, the firefighters discuss plans for the day with their captain or lieutenant. After a group discussion on fire prevention, everyone thinks about educational programs for young people.

In the afternoon, the firefighters decide to  work out in the fire hall gym: weights and cardio! Every firefighter  faces occupational hazards on a daily basis: intense heat, extreme cold, and carrying extra weight.

Life at the Fire Hall – Maxime Gervais-Lafetière (subtitles available in FR and EN) – Watch the video with the transcript (EN).

The main thing that sets life at the fire hall apart is the atmosphere of camaraderie. A firefighter never forgets their first year. Many firefighters share their personal lives with their workmates outside of work. Friendships begin at the fire hall, consolidate shoulder to shoulder in the fields, and continue after retirement.

Life at the Fire Hall – Maxime Gervais-Lafetière (subtitles available in FR and EN) – Watch the video with the transcript (EN).