S100 Basic Fire Suppression & Safety

The S-100 Basic Fire Suppression & Safety course is the foundational wildfire training standard in British Columbia. Required for personnel working on wildfires and many industrial operations, this course provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to work safely and effectively in wildfire environments.

Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on field exercises, participants will gain an understanding of wildfire behaviour, fire suppression strategies, water delivery systems, fireline equipment, communications, and fireline safety principles. Participants will also develop practical skills including pump operations, hose lays, handguard construction, radio communications, hazard assessments, and wildfire response procedures.

This comprehensive 24-hour course includes both classroom and field components and meets the current BC Wildfire Service S-100 training standard.

Course Topics

• Wildfire response and the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Fire behaviour, fuels, weather, and topography
• Fire suppression tactics and strategies
• Water delivery systems and pump operations
• Fireline equipment and safe tool use
• Radio communications and emergency procedures
• Fireline safety, situational awareness, and LACES
• Fire entrapment avoidance and emergency response
• Practical wildfire suppression skills and field exercises

Who Should Attend?

• Forestry and resource sector workers
• Industrial employees with wildfire response responsibilities
• Contractors working in wildfire-prone environments
• New wildfire personnel
• Anyone seeking foundational wildfire suppression training

Certification
Participants who successfully complete the written examination and practical skills evaluation will receive S-100 Basic Fire Suppression & Safety certification.

Prerequisites

• Minimum 16 years of age
• Basic physical fitness suitable for outdoor field activities

Meet your Instructor

Paul Kehler has over 10 years of experience in the wildfire industry, with a background spanning both the contract and government sectors of firefighting. His career has included roles as a contract crew member, crew leader, and coordinator, as well as three seasons with a BC Wildfire Service Unit Crew (20-person crew) and three seasons as an Initial Attack Crew Leader.

Paul brings extensive operational experience and a practical, field-based perspective to every course he teaches. He is passionate about helping students develop the skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities required to work safely and effectively in wildfire environments.

Whether you are entering the industry for the first time or require certification for your current role, Paul's goal is to deliver engaging, realistic training that prepares participants for the challenges and expectations of wildfire operations in British Columbia.

Photo Credit: Goldbay Designs