This course follows the NWCG standard for S-219 Firing Operations, delivered through a BC lens and customized for your crew, agency, or future projects. Whether you're supporting wildfire response, prescribed burning, or fuels treatment work, this course prepares you to plan and implement ignition operations safely and effectively.
We cover techniques, tools, risk management, and coordination, with time in the field and in discussion. The content is flexible to meet your operational needs, from cultural and ecological burning to tactical firing in wildfire response.
It is strongly recommended that participants complete S-390 Intermediate Fire Behaviour or similar before attending, as a working knowledge of fire behaviour is essential for successful firing operations.
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Identify the roles and responsibilities of the Firing Boss for planning, execution, safety, coordination, and evaluation of an ignition operation on a wildland or prescribed fire.
2. Describe the characteristics, applications, safety and availability of the various firing devices a Firing Boss has at their disposal.
3. Given a wildland or prescribed scenario, prepare a firing plan and briefing that contains desired fire behavior, firing techniques, required resources, coordination, safety and risk management factors, and communication, to meet specific objectives.
4. Practice the role of a Firing Boss through exercises that cover organizing, briefing, communications, and firing scenarios.
Two days including a half day scenario in the field (there is no live fire). Minimum of 14 students up to a maximum of 20. This course comes with a student workbook.
Instructors: Colleen Ross (CR Professional) and TBD instructor from BCWS
S-219 Firing Operations Pre Course Work
This pre-course work is a required step to ensure you're fully prepared for our two days of hands-on training in firing operations.
To get started:
Watch the introductory video.
Review the additional video links provided in the download.
We’re excited to have you join us and look forward to exploring firing and ignition operations together!
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This course is ideal for wildfire and prescribed fire practitioners involved in ignition planning and implementation, including wildland fire crews, fuels specialists, cultural fire stewards, and operational planners. It’s also suited for forest professionals expanding their scope into fire application.
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Yes. A working knowledge of fire behaviour is strongly recommended. Participants should complete S-390 Intermediate Fire Behaviour or a similar course beforehand to get the most value from the ignition planning, fire behaviour objectives, and scenario work.
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BC Wildfire Service is currently developing a similar version, and I’m excited to be part of their instructor cadre for delivery. This course follows the NWCG standard for S-219 Firing Operations, taught through a BC-specific lens and tailored for your agency, project, or team.
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You'll leave with a deeper understanding of ignition tools and techniques, the ability to develop a firing plan, and the leadership skills to run a safe and effective operation. You’ll also gain a custom workbook and experience practical team-based exercises that prepare you for field implementation.
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Past Hosts: Cranbrook Fire Dept., Kelowna Fire Dept., Lil’wat Forestry Ventures, Williams Lake Fire Dept., Ktunaxa Nation Council.
Past Participants: Structure firefighters, BCWS, Ministry of Forests Wildfire Risk Reduction employees, resource professionals, consultants, industry foresters, FireSmart Coordinators, Emergency Response Coordinators, CRI and ISC funding specialists, guardians, wildland firefighters (Type 1, 2, and 3), burn bosses, fuels management specialists, wildfire management specialists, Public Information Officers, EOC Coordinators, post-secondary students.