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 Program prepares individuals for employment in the forestry industry, including tree planters, 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 in the forestry resource sector. 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 by writing a letter of intent that includes a short paragraph outlining one's interest in the program and confirms that the student will have the following in please in time for the program start date:
- Be in good health and reasonably good physical condition (a self-assessment fitness checklist is available upon request)
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence
- Access to a vehicle to attend field trips
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including:
- Safety boots with minimum 3" ankle protection
- Chaps meeting WorkSafeBC PPE 1 - 1997
- Hard hat with face shield
- Earmuffs
- Eye protection with side shields
- Cut-resistant gloves
- High visibility apparel
Program Format
- Learners will develop and practice industry-level skills through a blend of classroom and hands-on experiences. This program is intended for wildfire fighters, tree planters, and anyone interested in a career in the Forestry sector.
If you want to learn more or join our waitlist, please contact Shanon Moser by email.
Workplace Hazardous Materials (WHMIS)
Date: TBA
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.
Bear Aware & Wilderness Safety
Date: TBA
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.
Basic First Aid: WorkSafeBC (Formerly OFA 1)
Date: TBA
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
Date: TBA
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
Date: TBA
S-100: Participants will learn the fundamentals of firefighting, fire line safety, portable pumps and water delivery systems.
Date: TBA
S-185: Participants learn the fundamentals of firefighting, fire line safety, portable pumps and water delivery systems.
Power Saw Operator: SAFE Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance
Dates: TBA
This 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.
S-212 Fireline Communications/Radio Operator Training
Tentative Date: TBA
Participants familiarize themselves with two-way radio equipment. learn correct radio procedures including caller and station ID, and the importance of etiquette.
GPS & Navigation
Dates: TBA
This two-day mountain navigation course covers modern skills for effective navigation, including map and compass reading and GPS devices and functions. You will also learn hazard recognition, route planning, and group management. This course is a mix of classroom and outdoor skill practice.
Tree Identification
Date: TBA
Students will learn that there are over 100 different species of trees that successfully grow in our area and how to identify most of them. Each tree will be discussed with respect to form, texture, habit, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics, cultural requirements, and pest issues. Students will visit forest canopy sites with a diverse array of tree species.