The government of British Columbia revealed its innovative education and training center for the first time on Thursday. wildfire The center's construction is a partnership between the BC Wildfire Service and Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
It will play a role in training the future group of firefighters who will deal with wildfires.
The new facility is a major measure that is a result of the province’s new emergency task force, established in response to B.C.'s severe wildfire season.
Premier David Eby stated, “Our government is taking action to ensure we are better prepared for future climate emergencies, and that starts by developing and supporting our teams of first responders.”
Eby thinks the center is necessary for preparing the province for future wildfire seasons.
According to Eby, establishing the first-of-its-kind wildfire training and education center in North America will prepare future wildfire professionals for critical work protecting forests, communities, and families.
The center will provide various training and education programs, starting from basic skills training in the wildfire field and advancing to the development of wildfire academic diploma and degree programs.
Program design will begin this year and training will start in 2025 at existing facilities.
The BC Wildfire Service will move some of its programs and courses to the center’s curriculum.
By 2028-2029, more than 1,000 workshops and 10,000 course registrations are expected to be offered annually.
Plans for the new center are currently in progress and it will be built on Thompson Rivers University’s campus.
Brett Fairbairn, Thompson Rivers University’s president, expressed excitement about the collaborative effort with the BC Wildfire Service.
The partnership underlines Thompson Rivers University’s commitment to leading research, training, and innovation to improve how British Columbians adapt to living with wildfires.
