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Wildfire Essentials

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icon Domestic applicants only 

Prepare to protect communities from wildfires with this comprehensive program. You'll earn industry certifications and gain practical skills in fire behavior, basic suppression, pump operations, helicopter safety, first aid, air tankers and incident command systems. The Wildfire Essentials program equips you for employment as a wildland fire crew member, providing hands-on training and industry-standard certifications.

This is a non-credit program offered through Continuing Education and Training.

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This program is funded by the Province of British Columbia.

StrongerBC future skills grant

Tuition may be covered through the StrongerBC future skills grant. Learn about eligibility and how to apply.

Learn more

Location

Length

Delivery
Port Alberni
 Winter		 3 weeks In-person
Full-time

Applications open.

Overview

In the Wildfire Essentials program, you'll work toward industry certifications and gain practical skills in wildfire prevention and suppression. You’ll learn:

  • WHMIS
  • Radio Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A)
  • Occupational First Aid Level 2 or Red Cross Standard First Aid
  • Transportation Endorsement
  • Introduction to Incident Command (I-100)

You’ll also develop expertise in helicopter safety, transport of dangerous goods, fire behavior, fire line communications and heavy equipment operations. This comprehensive training prepares you for a career as a wildland fire crew member, with hands-on experience and valuable certifications.

Courses

  • OFA-001 - WHMIS
  • WFO-018 - Helicopter Orientation and Safety
  • WFO-020 - Wildlife Awareness
  • WFO-021 - Heavy Equipment
  • WFO-024 - Wildland Fire Environment
  • WFO-025 - Air Tanker Operations
  • WFO-026 - Ignition Operations
  • WFO-027 - Portable Pumps and Water Delivery Systems
  • FOR-012 - Basic S100 Fire Suppression
  • WFO-016 - Fire Communication
  • WFO-022 - Introduction to Fire Behaviour
  • WFO-015 - Wildfire Entrapment Avoidance
  • WFO-019 - Incident Command System
  • ROC-010 - Radio Operator
  • MVO-069 - Transportation of Dangerous Goods - Comprehensive
  • OFA-015 - Occupational First Aid Transportation Endorsement

One of the following:

  • OFA-020 - Occupational First Aid Intermediate/Level 2
  • FAC-021 - Red Cross Standard First Aid

Schedule

Courses run from Feb. 22 to Mar. 10, 2027. 

Costs

Tuition for this program is $3,500.

How to apply