Forest Protection

The province of British Columbia has more than 94 million hectares of diverse forest and wildland; the Ministry of Forests and Range’s Protection Program provides fire protection services for 84 million of these. Confronted by an average of 2,000 wildfires every year, fire crews hit hard and hit fast, using advanced technologies and effective fire suppression strategies to contain 92 per cent of all unwanted wildland fires while they are less than four hectares in size. Despite the difficult working conditions and fire suppression challenges created by the province’s geography, B.C. is stayed as having one of Canada’s most successful forest protection programs.

The Protection Program’s unique role is critical to public safety and B.C.’s economy. The assistance given to rural communities to combat wildland fire, and the protection of Crown forest and range assets and infrastructure conservatively valued at more than $100 billion, requires the ministry to undertake a coordinated and consultative approach with a great many stakeholders. These include: the oil and gas community; First Nations; guide outfitters; cattle and range associations; local and regional governments; the forest industry; and the public.

Basic S100 fire fighter training is available to the public through training providers located in various areas.

To find learning resources for Forest Protection: click on Learning Store and look under Topic, or browse by keyword.

You can also visit the  You can also visit the Protection Branch website.