“Because someone has to do it”: How Jessica O’Dell answered the call during New Brunswick’s wildfires

When wildfires swept across New Brunswick this summer, Jessica O’Dell wasn’t watching from home—she was right there, on the front lines. 

Jessica, an MMS specialist who joined FCT in July, is also a volunteer firefighter in her hometown of Hillsborough, New Brunswick. She’s been serving since 2010 alongside her father, the department’s deputy chief. When a province-wide request for help went out, Jessica and her team from the community of Fundy Albert were among the first to respond. 

“When we showed up… we went over the game plan and everybody got in their vehicles and we went on to the fire ground,” said Jessica. “You could see how the fire had moved… how it had jumped from one spot in the forest to the other.” 

A defining moment 

One moment stood out: a lit tree stump that wouldn’t go out, no matter how much water they used. Then it started to rain. 

“The coldness of the rain just hit the stump the right way, and we must have manipulated the stump the right way… when we came back, the stump was actually split in half,” said Jessica. 

 “That moment, I thought, ‘This is really happening. This is why I’m here. Because someone has to do it.’” 

The wildfires were some of the most severe the province has ever seen, prompting evacuation alerts and air quality concerns. Jessica described returning the next day as a Strike Team Lead, surveying the area to plan her team’s approach. 

“One of the spots I had left the night before was gone — it had turned into a sinkhole about three feet deep because the fire was burning underground.” 

“We’ve never had fires like this in Moncton,” she said. “It really put everything in perspective.” 

Empowered by FCT 

Jessica wasn’t alone—FCT had her back from day one. 

“I told [my manager] I don’t mind using my vacation. I don’t mind using my personal time. I said I don’t even mind going unpaid, just as long as I get the permission to go… and come to find out they gave me paid time off.” 

Her manager, Kimberly-Ann Gallant, didn’t hesitate. 

“The second Jessica told me about the fires and her role, I said, ‘Go. We’ll figure it out.’ We’re lucky to have her at FCT, and I’m so proud of what she did for her community.” 

Jessica returned to work to messages of encouragement and appreciation from colleagues across the country. 

A village of support 

Back at home, Jessica had another obstacle to face. With her husband away, and with two young kids, she relied on her personal “village” to support her, while she was supporting her community.  

“The daycare my children attend picked them up early and kept them until she could bring them to my babysitter each night. Everyone did their part. Without them…. I couldn’t have done it. It really does take a village.” 

“It’s the most rewarding… stress-relieving, if you will, community. It's like a second family to me.” 

A message to others: just do it 

Jessica encourages anyone thinking about volunteering to take the leap—whether it’s through firefighting or anything else. 

“It’s about helping people and being part of something bigger than yourself.” 

If you're thinking of getting involved, take that first step. Your village—and your FCT family—will have your back. 

At FCT, volunteering isn’t just supported—it’s part of who we are. Through the Volunteer Day Program, employees can take up to 15 paid hours a year to give back to causes they care about. It’s one of the many ways FCT lives its values and supports the people behind them.