The BCWS Fire Services Program provides training to fire departments, structure protection contractors and First Nations during the Fall, Winter and Spring to bolster wildfire response throughout the province.
Completing required courses as per Section 10.3 of the Inter-Agency Agreement (PDF, 1MB) certifies members so they may be deployed to perform structure protection duties during wildfire season. Training typically runs between October and May. Courses are delivered upon request as well as at the Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit each Spring.
To apply to host or attend a course, email SPCO@gov.bc.ca. Please specify course(s) of interest and relevant qualifications as per course prerequisites in the dropdowns below.
Wildland Firefighter - Level 1 (WSPP-WFF1)
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.
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).
Wildland Structure Protection Program (WSPP-115)
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).
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.
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.
Task Force/Strike Team Leader - Level 1 (TFL-1)
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 workshop is designed to build knowledge and capacity for fire departments in structure defense supervision and leadership. This training, when combined with practical field experience and completed Task Books allows BC Municipal Fire Departments to meet BCWS training and practical requirements for regional wildfire deployments in a structure defense leadership capacity. The program will focus on wildland structural fire defence, BCWS specific documentation, risk management, tactical operations, and safety.  
The program is based on the newly created BCWS Guide to Municipal Structure Protection Organization and Tactics for Wildland Deployment.  
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.
To Host or send participants: Email SPCO@gov.bc.ca to inquire about hosting a TFL course for your region.
Engine Boss (ENGB)
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.
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. 
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.