NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009FOR0032-000140
July 23, 2009

Ministry of Forests and Range

NANAIMO – Twenty candidates will undergo wildfire suppression training in Nanaimo July 23 and 24 as part of the Province’s Emergency Firefighter Training Program, Parksville-Nanaimo Ron Cantelon announced today.

“We’ve all heard about and seen the pictures of the devastation that wildfires have had in the Interior this past week”, said Cantelon. “Although our firefighters are world class and we are providing individuals with training to support their efforts, I want to remind people to be extremely careful. Don’t forget that there will be a campfire ban in effect for the Coastal Fire Centre area as of noon tomorrow.”

The two-day course is a comprehensive introduction to wildfire suppression work, combining classroom theory with a hands-on field component. Once trained, individuals with a valid S-100 certificate will be placed on an availability list to assist fire centres and suppression contractors if existing resources are fully utilized and contingency resources are needed.

When deployed, emergency firefighters earn $15 per hour and typically perform mop-up, patrols, camp demobilization and other support functions under the supervision of experienced personnel.

The program, which targets unemployed forest workers and First Nations, is expected to cost $250,000 and is being co-ordinated by the Ministry of Forests and Range, Wildfire Management Branch. The program’s application process in now closed, with approximately 700 applications received from communities across B.C.

The public reports nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. Please continue to report smoke and flames by calling toll-free 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.

For more information, please visit the wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca.

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Contact:

Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Forests and Range
250 387-4592