Prepare for wildfire with FireSmart NWT

FireSmart training

Overview

Training programs are available to advance FireSmart knowledge across all sectors of society.  

FireSmart 101

Training overview

This free one hour online course provides a great introduction to FireSmart. You'll learn about the Wildland Urban Interface, what the home ignition zone is, why FireSmart is needed more than ever, the seven FireSmart principles, and much more. After taking this course, homeowners will feel empowered to take action!

Who it’s for

  • Anyone who wants to learn the basics of FireSmart

How to access

FireSmart Ambassador (Level 1)

Training overview

This four-module, free, online course is open to anyone, regardless of background or role in the community. It is especially well-suited to members of Indigenous and local governments, structural fire departments, community and industry associations. The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be stopped and started at any point. The goal of the Level 1 training is to have as many FireSmart Ambassadors in communities as possible because the more educated community residents and leaders are on FireSmart, the more resilient to wildfire they will become. Anyone wanting to advance to Level 2-3 roles will be required to complete the Ambassador training.

 

Who it’s for

  • Anyone
  • Especially well-suited to members of Indigenous and local governments, structural fire departments, public works departments, public housing and infrastructure managers, and community and industry associations.

Role description

FireSmart Ambassadors are frontline representatives, knowledgeable about FireSmart within the local community. As promoters of FireSmart guidelines, programming, and concepts, they play a foundational role in building awareness of and promoting wildland fire prevention and encouraging action within their community. Ambassadors do not conduct technical assessments.

How to access

FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program Specialist (Level 2)

Training overview

This training is for anyone who wishes to administer the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program (NRP). It has two components:

  • Online training (four hours)
  • In-person training (.5 day)

Successful completion of the course certifies the individual as a NRP Specialist.

Who it’s for

  • Local and Indigenous governments, structural fire departments, and wildfire professionals who are committed to delivering the Neighbourhood Recognition Program in their local area.

Prerequisite

  • FireSmart Ambassador (Level 1) training

Role description

The NRP Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program within their local area.

This includes guiding residents and neighbourhoods through the NRP process, from forming committees to completing wildfire neighbourhood hazard assessments and holding FireSmart events.

How to access

An access code is required to access the training for the Level 2 NRP Specialist role.

Once your request is approved and you receive the code, you can return here to access the training.

FireSmart Home Ignition Zone Specialist (Level 3)

Training overview

This training is for anyone who wishes to administer the FireSmart Advanced Home Assessment Program.

Successful completion of the course certifies the individual as a Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Specialist.

Training is only available in-person.

Who it’s for

  • Structural fire departments and wildfire professionals who wish to deliver the Advanced Home Assessment program in their local area.

Prerequisite

  • FireSmart Ambassador (Level 1) training

Role description

The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Specialist is responsible for delivering the FireSmart Advanced Home Assessment Program in their local area to help residents identify and reduce potential property hazards related to wildfires.

Under the direction of a FireSmart Program Coordinator or other community authority, the HIZ Specialist conducts approved FireSmart home assessments at residents’ request, submits the assessments for approval, reports back to residents or businesses on results, and provides advice and guidance on implementing Home Ignition Zone guidelines.

How to access

Training is organized by certified trainers from the territorial government or local government. Here is how to prepare and request training:

  1. Identify professionals within your organization you wish to
  2. Have them complete FireSmart Ambassador (Level 1) training
  3. Express interest in training by:
    1. Emailing FireSmart_Intellifeu@gov.nt.ca with names and contact information for those wishing to attend the workshop
    2. Attaching completed FireSmart Ambassador (Level 1) certificates
    3. Ensure to include the name of your agency (i.e. community government, fire department) and location

A territorial FireSmart representative will get back to you. Workshops will be arranged as capacity and availability allows.

Contact

Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Team

FireSmart_Intellifeu@gov.nt.ca

Forest Management Division

Environment and Climate Change

Government of the Northwest Territories