"Climate change during the 21st century is expected to result in more frequent forest fires in many boreal forests, with severe environmental and economic consequences. New research aims to refine these climate change estimates of fire activity and investigate adaptation strategies and options to deal with future fire occurrence. There is a growing consensus that as wildland fire activity increases, fire agency suppression efforts will be increasingly strained." —Natural Resources Canada
The Wildfire Fighter Training micro-credential prepares individuals for employment in the forestry industry as wildfire fighters, fire suppression workers and wildfire interface workers (fuel management).
Participants will undergo a comprehensive training program that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to competently and safely function as entry-level workers. This includes training in first aid, workplace safety, equipment safety and operation, safety standards, and industry-standard certification.
Prerequisites
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College (see Policy 8611: Admissions), the applicant must meet the following Wildfire Fighter requirements:
- WorkSafeBC has a limit of 18 years of age to operate a chainsaw &/or do high-risk activities in a workplace.
- Be able to lift 50 lbs and walk five km.
- Have access to transportation to attend off-campus field trips.
- Have personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
- Safety boots with a minimum 8" ankle protection
- Chaps (provided)
- Hard hat with face shield
- Earmuffs
- Eye protection with side shields
- Level 3 cut-resistant gloves appropriate for the weather conditions
- High visibility shirt or vest
Program Format
The program must be completed within two years from the registration date. Students are required to complete all core courses and one specialization course to qualify for the micro-credential.
This course qualifies for the StrongerBC future skills grant. You could be eligible for up to $3,500 toward tuition. Find out more and apply today!
Required Courses
Workplace Hazardous Materials (WHMIS)
Hazardous materials abound in many workplaces. Identify Hazardous products, read and make labels, and understand where to find treatment if you or someone else is exposed. Available online for your convenience.
Basic First Aid (or equivalent) (Formerly OFA 1)
Learn CPR/AED, how to deal with minor wounds, airway breathing, circulatory emergencies and more. Completion of records and reports is part of the course. Know what to do until the paramedics arrive. Does not include airway management and oxygen use.
Transportation Endorsement: WorkSafeBC
With your Transportation Endorsement, you will learn about packaging a conscious patient who requires spinal motion restrictions and who does not require spinal motion restrictions, packaging an unconscious patient and caring for a patient while in transport. This course does NOT cover airway management and oxygen use.
Combined S-100 Fire Suppression and S-185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance
Day 1, S-100: Participants will learn the fundamentals of firefighting, fire line safety, portable pumps and water delivery systems.
Day 2, S-185: Participants learn the fundamentals of firefighting, fire line safety, portable pumps and water delivery systems.
SAFE Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance
This two-day course provides participants with a basic level of understanding for safe chainsaw operation, making bucking cuts on level terrain, basic limbing techniques & introductory chainsaw maintenance.
S212 (Fireline Communications/Radio Operator Training)
Participants familiarize themselves with two-way radio equipment. learn correct radio procedures including caller and station ID, and the importance of etiquette.
Specialized Courses
Course offerings in this program depend on trainer schedules. As a result, some courses may not be offered every year.
Bear Aware & Wilderness Safety
Participants will learn the foundation of working and staying safe in bear country. They will also develop a better understanding of bear behaviour, which can help them prevent encounters and reduce their risk of encountering a bear. Bear safety training is a WorkSafeBC requirement.