Information on Wildfire Training
Last updated on February 20, 2026
The intention of this page is to answer common questions regarding the delivery of wildland firefighting training in British Columbia.
In 2026, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) rolled out updated S-100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety materials for course deliveries offered to non-government personnel alongside an improved instructor endorsement process. This updated version now includes the S-185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance & Safety.
To allow for a smooth transition to new materials and process, previously endorsed instructors may continue to use their existing materials, and completion of the updated endorsement process is optional in 2026.
Starting in 2027, all instructors must use the updated materials and complete the new endorsement process.
All training material is copyright the Province of British Columbia and cannot be changed, sold or used without the express written permission of the BC Wildfire Service.
Official Training Courses
S-100 and S-100A
The most common firefighter training course in B.C. is the S-100, which is considered basic fire suppression training for contract crews. The S-100 and S-100A are required to meet the training requirements under Section 26.3.1 Forestry Operation Fire Fighting of B.C.’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The intended audience for this course is forest industry workers and contract fire fighters.
The S-100 is a two-day, 16-hour course with both a classroom and a field component. The annual refresher is a one-day, four-hour course and does not include a field component. Both the S-100 and S-100A are good for one year from date of delivery. If a person has taken either course within the last five years, they would only need to take the S-100A to be considered trained for the following year. If more than five years have passed since a person has taken either course, they would need to re-take the two-day, S-100 course again.
There is currently no “theory only” S-100 course recognized by the BCWS.
S-100 and S-100A instructors must be officially recognized/endorsed by the BCWS. Anyone not endorsed cannot teach the material in B.C. S-100 endorsement is only provided to those who meet minimum requirements of wildfire and training experience. A list of S-100 instructors recognized by the BCWS is available here. Endorsement must be renewed annually starting in 2027. All previously endorsed and aspiring instructors can complete the endorsement application form here to keep their credentials up to date.
S-100 training material (student and instructor guides) is available to all endorsed instructors through the online endorsement portal. Updated S-100A materials are in development and will be available for 2027. Course completion (“certification”) cards are also available online through the portal. Any student that does not have a course completion card signed by an endorsed instructor will not be considered as having taken the S-100.
S-185
The S-185 Fire Entrapment and Avoidance Safety has been rolled into the S-100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety course to reduce redundancy. This change was made in response to feedback received from S-100 instructors in spring 2025. The combination of both courses will now be referred to as the S-100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required to be endorsed by the BC Wildfire Service for teaching S-100, S-100A and S-185?
Training providers interested in teaching S-100, S-100A, and S-185 must complete the updated endorsement application process available here. You will be prompted to provide information about:
- your wildfire experience
- your adult education experience
- three references
By completing this endorsement process, you will also gain access to updated course materials. Building on existing content, with clearly articulated learning objectives, the new package includes a refreshed presentation, instructor manual and student manual.
Can I put on a one day S-100 course if a client requests it?
No. One day S-100 courses do not meet the minimum requirements of Section 26.3.1 Occupational Health and Safety Regulation or Master Standing Offer contracts.
I want to put on a training program to prepare people for firefighting. Who should I contact for permission to use the material?
All requests for training material, aside from S-100 (which can be accessed by endorsed instructors through the online endorsement portal), should go through the BCWS Kamloops Headquarters at 250-312-3000. Training providers should consult with the BCWS prior to offering training programs of this magnitude.
What is the cost of S-100 training?
The BCWS does not dictate the price of this training. Training providers can set the price to whatever they feel meets the needs of the industry.
Where can I purchase S-100 training material and certification cards?
All S-100 material and certification cards are available to endorsed instructors online through the endorsement portal.
As a training provider, am I allowed to provide S-series (not including S-100/S-185) course training?
Depending on your approval to teach these other S-Series courses. It is recognized that correctly instructed wildfire training is important and may be provided to groups that request the training (local governments, First Nations, contract crews, etc.). However, the trainer must have the approval of the BCWS to use the training material and no claim can be made that the training offered meets the training requirements of the BCWS or contract companies unless you have a specific agreement with that company.
Requests for access/use of training material will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Will taking S-XXX training get me a job on a BC Wildfire Service crew?
None of the basic firefighting training courses listed above were considered as requirements or recommended training for the BCWS recruitment process. Applications for BCWS crews are accepted from November – January annually and the requirements for application are listed here.
Will taking S-XXX training get me a job on a contract fire crew?
None of the basic firefighting training courses listed above are considered as requirements or recommended training for the current BC Wildfire Service recruitment process. Applications for BCWS crews are accepted from November – January annually and the requirements for application are listed here.
When is the next scheduled update of these training materials?
The BCWS provided updated training materials in February 2026. This update was informed by feedback from current S-100 instructors and other interested parties and completed by subject matter experts within the BCWS.
Instructors must complete the updated endorsement process to gain access to these materials. Use of the updated materials and endorsement process is optional in 2026 but will become mandatory in 2027.
Who do I contact if I have general questions regarding wildland firefighting training?
General questions on wildland firefighting training should be directed to the BCWS general inquiries email at ProvTraining@gov.bc.ca.