A first-of-its-kind wildfire training and education centre in North America will be set up at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
The centre was the flagship recommendation from Premier David Eby’s emergencies task force.
“Last summer, British Columbians endured the worst wildfire season our province has ever seen, and we only got through it thanks to the heroic efforts of our brave firefighters,” said Eby.
“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.”
Provincial officials said the centre will offer comprehensive training and education programs that range from basic skills training and learning in the wildfire field to wildfire academic diploma and degree programs.
Program design is starting this year and intake for training is set to begin in 2025.
Courses will initially be held at pre-existing facilities at Thompson Rivers University, but plans are being made for a new building.
B.C. government officials said by 2028-29 they expect more than 1,000 workshops to be offered per year equaling around 10,000 course registrations.
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