More firefighters are wanted to protect B.C.'s forests.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has issued a call for applications to improve the already successful pool of forest firefighters. B.C. has one of the most renowned forestry fire responders in the world, and the campaign is on now to have an even better crew at the ready when the 2013 burning season opens in spring.

"[The ministry] is recruiting physically fit, motivated and team-orientated individuals," said provincial fire information officer Alyson Couch. "Successful applicants will be assigned to crews in various locations throughout the province and typically will start in May and work until the end of August."

During the course of their employment, crew members not only fight fires throughout B.C., but "may also be called upon to assist with fire suppression in other parts of Canada and internationally," Couch said. Throughout the season, crews will be engaged in a variety of

activities and projects, including fuel management, prescribed burning, community work and public awareness campaigns.

All crew members must meet national physical fitness requirements. More than 1,000 are already on the team. New crew members receive extensive training in fire behaviour, fire

management tactics, fireline equipment use, fireline organization, communications, air operations and orienteering.

Interested candidates can apply until Jan. 24 online through the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca/employment. The job requirements are listed on the website, including details about the recruitment process, preferred qualifications and fitness requirements.