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BOOT CAMP

2021 Wildland Fire Fighter Boot Camp

Our Wildland Fire Fighter Boot Camp is designed with input from experienced Wildland Fire Fighter professionals and instructed by qualified and recognized industry experts. In just 8 days successful students achieve 22 industry-related certificates suitable for wildland fire fighting (including mandated Type 2/3 Wildland Fire Fighter training) and supplemental forestry work. Students also learn valuable life skills including healthy eating, fitness, employability, and communal living. We promote a higher standard of industry training to ensure the safety of all fireline responders. No experience necessary to register.

 

Students should expect 10-12 hours of training per day. Students must provide two pieces of ID (one photo ID), a completed Physicians Release Form and completed Par-Q Form on Day 1 of Boot Camp or will be unable to attend Boot Camp. On Day 1 of Boot Camp, students are required to take our WFX-FIT Practice Test. Information about WFX-FIT and how to prepare for the test can be reviewed here Are You Prepared for WFX-FIT or go to www.wfx-fit.ca. For details about our Boot Camp and what you need to do to prepare for our Boot Camp review Boot Camp Information Sheet.

Dates

Camp 1: To Be Determined

Camp 2: To Be Determined

 

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Location

Camp Owaissi

2411 Westside Place, Kelowna, BC

 

 

Fees

Boot Camp Fee is $2,500+$125gst per person includes training, lodging and food for the duration of Boot Camp. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a seat - the remaining amount is due before Day 1 of Boot Camp. Group (10+) discount rates are available. Email us for a group rate estimate, registration, and payment details info@riderventures.ca.

 

 

Courses
 

BC Wildfire Service Training

 

The following courses are instructed by an experienced Recognized Training Provider with The Province of BC. BCWS courses are instructed in-class and in-field and are completed over the course Boot Camp. BCWS entry-level Type 2 and 3 Wildland Fire Fighter mandated training includes S-100 and S-185.

 

S-100 Basic Fireline Suppression and Safety*

S-185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance

S-130 Fundamentals of Firefighting

S-190 Fireline Safety

S-211 Weather and Fire Environment

S-212 Fireline Communications*

S-213 Working Around Equipment on the Fireline

S-215 Fire Operations in Wildland/Urban Interface

S-232 Portable Pumps and Water Delivery Systems*

S-235 Burning-off and Backfiring*

S-270 Helicopter Use and Safety

ICS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System

 

 

First-Aid and Diversified Training

 

The following courses are instructed by certified professionals sometimes in-house or by our training partners.

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OFA Level 1

Instructed by FACTS

 

Safe Chainsaw Handling and Maintenance PSO*

2-day course instructed by APEX Forest and Wildfire Service Ltd

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WHMIS-Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

Instructed by a Certified Worksite Safety Instructor

 

TDG-Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Instructed by a Certified Worksite Safety Instructor

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Rider Ventures Skills Training

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The following courses are instructed by trained professionals sometimes in-house or by our training partners. They are suitable for both wildland fire fighting and supplemental forestry work.

 

Boot Camp Orientation*

Our Boot Camp is designed to provide students with the same rules and expectations they will experience in a Ministry Camp. Students will be required to follow camp rules and complete assigned clean-up duties. Students will be taught and expected to practice employability skills including classroom and meeting etiquette.

 

WFX-FIT Practice Test*

Wildland Fire Fighters must pass the WFX-FIT Test with the Province of BC before they can work on the fireline. Students will experience the WFX-FIT Test procedure and course with replicated equipment.

 

RV-05 Operations and Safety in the Workplace

Students will learn about Fireline Safety and Personnel, and their Role as a Firefighter.

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RV-10 Introduction to Danger Tree Awareness

Students will be given an informal introduction to Danger Tree Awareness from a Certified DTA. Students receive general information about identifying dangerous trees, terms used in DTA, and what different coloured ribbons mean. The objective of this class is to provide students with a general awareness of dangerous trees in the field for safety and communicative purposes.

 

RV-15 Tree/Plant Species Identification

Instructed by a Certified DTA

 

RV-20 Wildlife Awareness

Instructed by Ex-Auxiliary Conservation Officer

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RV-25 GPS Coordinates/Mapping and Compass*

Instructed by a Gorman Software Specialist

 

RV-30 Backroads Driving Standards

 

 

*Course includes immersive, hands-on experiences.

 

 

Outcomes

Successful students achieve 22 certifications and can be employed as a Type 2 or 3 Wildland Fire Fighter. The objectives of our Boot Camp are to:

 

  • give students a competitive advantage when applying for jobs;

  • give students certifications that may help them achieve a higher entry rate-of-pay;

  • provide students with immersive, hands-on experiences;

  • give students the skills and confidence to protect themselves, civilians, co-workers on the fireline;

  • help students establish industry connections;

  • prepare students for supplemental forestry jobs (outside of wildland fire fighting);

  • prepare crews from rural communities that may be required to protect their community from wildfires;

  • provide bulk training with qualified industry experts at a discounted rate with no lag time;

  • promote a higher standard of industry training to ensure the safety of all responders.

Boot Camp Packing List

All gear must fit inside your duffle bag. No gear tied to outside of bag. Only two bags allowed and cannot exceed 45 pounds.

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  • Completed Physicians Release Form

  • Completed Par-Q Form

  • 2 pieces of ID (one photo)

  • Backpack

  • Leather Hiking Boots 8” High

  • Rubber Boots

  • One Person Tent

  • Sleeping Bag (Summer/Fall)

  • Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress

  • Collapsible Pillow

  • 7 T-Shirts Cotton or Poly-Cotton

  • 7 Pairs Underwear Cotton

  • 7 Pairs Socks Cotton or Wool

  • Belt

  • Shorts or Swimsuit

  • Long Underwear Cotton or Light Wool

  • Sweater Cotton or Wool

  • Jacket Non-Synthetic

  • Camp Shoes Flip-Flop and Runners

  • Flashlight or Headlamp

  • Electric Charger

  • Garbage Bags

  • Newspaper to dry boots

  • Towel and Face Cloth

  • Toiletries: Shaving Kit, Shampoo, Deodorant, Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hair Ties, Brush, etc

  • Personal Items: Medication, Glasses, Sun Glasses, Book, Water Bottle, etc

  • Insect Repellent

  • Bank Card/Cash $50-$100

Boot Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Type 1, 2 and 3 Wildland Fire Fighter?

 

Type 1 Wildland Fire Fighting

 

The BC Wildfire Service is responsible for the management of wildfires in British Columbia. The BC Wildfire Service employs Type 1 Wildland Fire Fighters responsible for containing fires that are considered “Out of Control” or Type 1 fires. Competition for employment with BC Wildfire Service is high.

 

 

Type 2 and 3 Wildland Fire Fighting

 

Approved Contractors are dispatched by the BC Wildfire Service to assist with wildfire operations on fires that are “Being Held” and “Under Control” or Type 2 and 3 fires. Private contractors must register and achieve bids with BC Wildfire Service and become an Approved Contractor. Entry-level training mandated by the BC Wildfire Service for Type 2 and 3 Wildland Fire Fighters is outlined on our Training page under “Become a Wildland Fire Fighter”. The level of training in addition to the mandated entry-level requirements varies by private contractor.

 

 

 
Why should I take Boot Camp when I only need entry-level training to be a Wildland Fire Fighter?

 

Our Boot Camp provides extensive training in addition to entry-level training. The objectives of our Boot Camp are to:

 

  • give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs;

  • give you certifications that may help you achieve a higher entry rate-of-pay;

  • provide you with an immersive, hands-on experience;

  • give you the skills and confidence to protect yourself, civilians, co-workers on the fireline;

  • help you establish industry connections;

  • prepare you for supplemental forestry jobs (outside of wildland fire fighting);

  • prepare crews from rural communities that may be required to protect their community from wildfires;

  • provide bulk training with qualified industry experts at a discounted rate with no lag time;

  • promote a higher standard of industry training to ensure the safety of all responders.

 

 
 
Will I have to take the WFX-FIT test ever again?

 

Our WFX-FIT test is a training exercise only. You may be required by your employer to take the test again with The Province of BC. The equipment and circuit we use are replicated to better prepare you for the test.

 

 
 
How come my friend got free Wildland Fire Fighting training?

 

When you achieve employment as a Wildland Fire Fighter your employer may require you to take training. By law, employers must provide or pay for required training.

 

 
 
Do I have to be First Nations to attend your Boot Camp?

 

You do not have to be First Nations to attend our Boot Camps. Rider Ventures is actively an open and inclusive company that does not discriminate against race, religion, gender and orientation in any of our services or employment. There may be third-party funding programs in your community that require you to be First Nations to have Boot Camp fees paid for.

 

 
 
Do I have to work for Rider Ventures after Boot Camp?

 

Our Public Boot Camps are separate from our Recruitment Boot Camp. Our Public Boot Camps do not guarantee employment with Rider Ventures. Recruitment Boot Camp is for applicants that successfully pass Phase 1 of our Employment Application Process.

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