Prescribed fire training program launches with $8M to rebuild national capacity.

An $8 million Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program, co-developed by UBC Okanagan and the Weston Family Foundation, will train practitioners across five regional hubs to expand safe, planned use of prescribed fire.

The Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program (CPFTP) is a new $8 million national initiative co-developed by the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus and the Weston Family Foundation to strengthen capacity for the safe use of prescribed fire. The program responds to concerns that long-term fire suppression has left many ecosystems less resilient and contributed to more severe wildfires. CPFTP will deliver regionally tailored training and create pathways for practitioners to gain operational experience. The program also emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration and support for Indigenous-led fire stewardship and cultural fire practices. Key details: - $8 million program co-developed by UBC Okanagan and the Weston Family Foundation. - Five regional hubs will serve western, northern, central, eastern and Atlantic Canada. - The initiative aims to train and mentor practitioners to scale safe, planned prescribed fire use. - It emphasizes evidence-informed practice and supports Indigenous-led fire stewardship and cultural fire practices. - Virtual media sessions were scheduled for Feb. 25 to provide details and answer questions. Summary: The program is intended to strengthen national standards and increase operational experience so prescribed fire can be applied safely and responsibly across diverse Canadian landscapes. Next, CPFTP will roll out regionally tailored training through five hubs and provide further information via planned media briefings.