Fire Training

Training

Training and preparation for emergency response is one of the most critical components of the fire service.

Firefighters are required to maintain skills, certification, standards and fitness.

Regular fire training is provided on Tuesday evenings with rescue practices monthly on Wednesday evenings and special practices on weekends. Topics include:

  • Certification in-house and utilizing outside instructors / agencies
  • Classroom theory sessions
  • Live burn practical sessions
  • New fire suppression practices
  • Task and drill practical skills maintenance

Recruit training classes are held annually based upon demand. Recruits must successfully complete 120 hours of training over a period of one year consisting of safety and regulatory requirements and essential firefighting skills including live fire drills. Recruits also graduate with the third party "Full Service" accreditation (less haz-mat ops, Vehicle extrication and medical 1st responder).

Shuswap Regional Fire Training Centre

The Fire Training Centre provides hands-on, live fire training, skills maintenance, certification and new recruit training.

This joint venture between the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, District of Sicamous and City of Salmon Arm was established in 1999. The three acre parcel provides:

  • Flammable liquid tray – simulates flammable liquid fires fueled by natural gas
  • Props vehicle, broken gas meter, propane tank, dumpster – these types of props fueled by natural gas or propane provide fire fighters with live practical experience
  • Pump test pit - the test pit contains a device used for ensuring that apparatuses meets their rated pumping capacities by drafting water from underground water tanks to a fire engine
  • Training building – includes two classrooms, washrooms and showers, truck bay and storage area
  • Burn building – this three-story facility provides firefighters with an opportunity to experience fire behaviours

The Burn building is also utilized as a smokehouse which simulates a structural fire with a large amount of smoke only. The Burn building also houses internal standpipe connections and a wood stove to simulate chimney fires.