When you can retire for wildfire fighters

BC Wildfire fighters are designated in the plan’s public safety group. Because of this, you may be able to retire earlier than regular members.

These rules apply to wildfire fighter service earned on or after April 1, 2026. Service earned before April 1, 2026 is treated as regular service and follows regular plan rules.

You can apply for your pension as early as age 50 if any of the following apply:

• Your last job under PSPP is as a wildfire fighter in the public safety group.
• You work as a wildfire fighter and in a regular group role at the same time, and both jobs end on the same date.
• You work as a wildfire fighter and in a regular group role at the same time, and your wildfire fighter job ends after your regular job ends.

Even though you can apply as early as age 50, your pension will be reduced unless you meet the criteria for an unreduced pension. Your unreduced pension age depends on your age, and your years of contributory service

Qualifying for an unreduced pension

You can receive an unreduced pension for wildfire fighter service if, on your retirement date, you meet one of the following:

• You’re 50 or older and have 35 or more years of contributory service
• You’re 55 or older and have between 2 and 35 years of contributory service
• You’re 60 or older, with any amount of contributory service

If you don’t meet one of these criteria, early retirement reductions will apply to this portion of your pension.

If you have both regular and wildfire fighter service, each portion of your pension is calculated separately, using the rules that apply to that service.

How contributory service works

You earn one month of contributory service for every month you make contributions (or are deemed to have made contributions).

If you work seasonally, it may take longer than one calendar year to earn a full year of contributory service. This depends on how many months you work and contribute each year.