Prescribed Fire training program launched with $8M to expand use across Canada

An $8-million national program has been launched to train practitioners in the use of prescribed fire through five regional hubs, aiming to build capacity and coordinate training across Canada.

An $8-million Canadian program to train practitioners in prescribed fire has been launched. It aims to increase the safe, planned use of fire to support ecosystem health and reduce wildfire severity. The program responds to a lack of coordinated training, mentorship, and field experience across the country. Organizers say the effort will respect and support Indigenous-led fire stewardship and cultural fire practices. Key details: - The program is funded at $8 million and described as a first-of-its-kind national training initiative. - Training will be delivered through five regional hubs covering western, northern, central, eastern and Atlantic Canada to reflect local ecosystems and governance. - Program leaders say it is designed to close a long-standing skills and training gap for prescribed fire practitioners in Canada. - The initiative emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, evidence-informed practice, and support for Indigenous-led stewardship. - Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais, director of the Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program, stated the program will work to establish national standards and regionally grounded pathways to operational experience. Summary: The program establishes a national structure for prescribed fire training while tailoring delivery to regional needs. Its immediate next step is to roll out education and training through the five regional hubs to build practitioner capacity and coordinated pathways for operational experience.