Feds open applications for new wildfire training program

The federal government is seeking applicants for its Fighting and Managing Wildfire in a Changing Climate Program – Training Fund. The program aims to train 1,000 firefighters to support community-based mitigation, preparation and response to wildfires. Applications will be accepted from Dec. 8 until Feb. 1, 2024, and are open to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, Canadian academic institutions, provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies.

Funding is available for projects in three streams: Wildland Firefighter Training at the Type I, II, III levels; Community Wildfire Protection Training to develop and implement community-based wildfire prevention and fire management activities; and Youth Wildfire Training to develop future cohorts of wildland firefighters and professionals.

Indigenous applicants and projects are being prioritized, and the government will also take into consideration national distribution and diversity, stated a press release.

Virtual information sessions are expected to be held on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. ET in French and 1 p.m. ET in English. These sessions will provide an opportunity for interested applicants to pose questions about the requirements and processes.

A two-year pilot project, which started in the 2022-2023 season, has informed the design of this program to support projects through 2027.

Learn more.