BCWS Fire Services Training Opportunities

Description

This is a 'train the trainer' course, designed to teach qualified firefighters how to deliver WSPP-WFF1 to other members of their department. This course is intended for those with existing structural firefighting experience. WSPP-WFF1 course replaces S-100 (Basic Fire Suppression and Safety) and S-185 (Fire Entrapment Avoidance) courses, which are supplied to BC Wildfire Service wildland firefighters.

Prerequisites

• Level 1 Fire Service Instructor or equivalent training and experience,
• Exterior Operations Level (minimum), and
• Minimum five years' experience as a firefighter.

Contents

• How to deliver WSPP-WFF1 training in four two-hour blocks
• Practical use of wildland firefighting equipment
• Instructor materials such as manuals and PowerPoints
• Certificates of course attendance

Delivery:

WSPP-WFF1 'Train the Trainer' is delivered in person to a hosting fire department over the course of two days (about 16 hours total). About half of the instruction is conducted in classroom and the other half is practical application.

To apply to host or attend a WSPP-WFF1 'Train the Trainer" offering, email SPCO@gov.bc.ca with your qualifications (must meet the above requirements).

Description

This course is intended for Fire Department personnel, BC Wildfire Service wildland firefighters and structure protection contractors. Participants will learn exterior sprinkler application and other structure protection techniques utilizing FireSmart principles. WSPP-115 is a prerequisite for all structural firefighters to be deployed and participate on Structure Protection Crews (SPC).

Prerequisites

• WSPP-WFF1 (Wildland Firefighter - Level 1) for structural firefighters OR
• S-100 (Basic Fire Suppression and Safety) and S-185 (Fire Entrapment Avoidance) for wildland firefighters

Contents

Installation and application of sprinklers on structures using wildfire pumps, hose, and hydrants to stop the structure from catching fire when wildfire approaches. This technique creates a humidity bubble over the structure and dampens flammable materials around the structure.

Course learning Objectives

• Safe work practices in the Wildland Urban Interface
• Equipment and personal items required for deployment
• Triage of structures and completion of paperwork
• Overview of equipment inventory in Type 1 and Type 2 Structure Protection Units (SPU)
• Overview of FireSmart principles and their role in structure protection
• Equipment inventory in Type 1 and Type 2 SPU
• FireSmart principles for structure protection
• Portable pump operation and troubleshooting
• Hoselays and sprinkler selection and placement
• Tactical response before, during and after fire impingement 
• How to deliver an effective crew briefing

Delivery

• Pre-learning student manual is provided before course delivery
• 16 hours in person over two days
• Combination of practical exercises and theory
• Training is led by qualified BCWS instructors

Certificates of course attendance are issued to all participants who attend the course.

To apply to host or attend a WSPP-WFF1 for your fire department, email SPCO@gov.bc.ca (must meet the above requirements).

Note: Course hosts are responsible for filling seats through their department and surrounding departments. The ideal number for optimal course delivery is 15-25 participants. Host departments will need to provide a suitable classroom space with PowerPoint capabilities, as well as a location for practical components of the course. The host fire department will also need to ensure the availability of a Structure Protection Unit (SPU) for practical course work. 

Description: 

The Task Force Leader (TFL) directs any combination of personnel, crews and different types of Incident Command System (ICS) equipment in performing tactical missions on a division or segment of a division, on wildland fire incidents. The TFL reports to a Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. The TFL works in the operations functional area when requested by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).  

The Task Force Leader - 1 (TFL) course is designed for BC Municipal Fire Departments to meet BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) training and practical requirements for local deployment within your municipality or region. The program focuses on wildland structural fire defense, BCWS specific documentation, risk management, tactical operations, and safety. 

Completion of this course does not place individuals on the BCWS provincial TFL call out list.

Prerequisites:  

• Minimum 5 years experience in the fire service with experience leading crews and tactical assignments
• Current member of a British Columbia Fire Department
• WSPP-FF1
• Engine Boss
• Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training  
• ICS 200
• ICS 300 (preferred) 
• Fire Officer 1 (preferred)

Course learning Objectives:

• Activation from the Structure Protection Coordination Office (SPCO) where to go, who to see, what to do
• Understand deployment readiness
• Understand crew and fire apparatus manifest, and the Inter-Agency Agreement
• Review ICS, focusing on structure branch breakdown and unity of command
• Task Force Leader mindset, responsibilities and duties
• Understand the Incident Action Plan (IAP), how to use it as an operational and safety resource
• Practice accountable and applicable documentation practices
• Using mapping programs and BCWS radio communications
• Review fire behaviour, environmental conditions, situational awareness and aircraft
• Demonstrate the ability to apply risk management process found in the BCWS guide to municipal structure protection organization and tactics for wildland deployment
• Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate tactics with assigned resources organized into the task force

Delivery:

The TFL course is delivered regionally each year throughout the province. Fire departments may send qualified members to course offerings in their area. The TFL Level-1, is a two-day/16-hour course designed to meet the training needs of a Task Force/Strike Team Leader.  It is delivered in person at the hosting fire department. Minimum 16 participants to a maximum of 20 participants. 

To Host or send participants: Email SPCO@gov.bc.ca to inquire about hosting a TFL course for your region.

Description:

This course is designed to provide municipal and regional fire department firefighters the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the position of Engine Boss (ENGB) in a structure defense capacity.

Prerequisites:

• WSPP-WFF1
• BC FF’s Minimum Training Standards Exterior level FF and “Team Leader”
• BC FF’s Minimum Training Standards Interior level FF and “Team Leader” (preferred)
• ICS 100  
• ICS 200 (preferred)  
• Fire Officer-qualified (Fire Officer 1 or above) (preferred)
• S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (preferred)  
• Knowledge and proficiency in fire apparatus pumping and establishing static/hydrant water supply

Contents:

Topics include position overview; pre-deployment responsibilities; concept of the position; pre-dispatch preparation; incident responsibilities; administration and reporting; supervision; response; assignment; demobilization; tactics and safety; risk management; entrapment avoidance; WUI; case studies; scenarios; and appropriate action vs. freelancing. 

Delivery:

This course is divided into two components: an online pre-course learning (~8hrs on students’ own time), and an in person practical field day. The practical module will comprise of structure engines, tenders, and wildland engines to make up a typical Task Force or Strike Team, as would be done on an actual deployment. Students will make up the staffing compliment of each of the apparatus. For example, a 4- person structure engine normally staffed with an Officer and three firefighters can instead have 4 students from a department that are all enrolled in the ENGB course. 

To host a course email SPCO@gov.bc.ca to inquire about hosting for your region. To send participants check the training calendar.