Firefighters learning how to manage wildfires in urban areas

With wildfires more commonly burning closer to communities, it’s important to be prepared. Firefighters in Strathcona County are learning the skills they needed to effectively respond to wildland fires near urban areas.

“Structural firefighters, we’re used to having a fire, if you will, inside a box, a house fire, something like that. And we’re really good at keeping that fire in the box. With these urban interface fires, now we have a fire outside the box, there can be multiple boxes affected, so we need new ways to deal with the fire in that environment,” explained Mark Brise, a master instructor with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).

The Deputy Fire Chief of Strathcona County says their firefighters are already trained for wildland firefighting, but says it’s critical they continue to expand their knowledge.

“The escalating threat of urban interface fires sweeping across Canada is undeniable, jeopardizing our communities with potential property damage and posing significant risks to human life. IAFF takes pride in ensuring that firefighters are trained to safely and effectively respond to the challenges of urban interface fires, thereby enhancing their ability to protect our communities,” said IAFF District Vice President Mike Carter in a statement. 

Strathcona County firefighters are putting those skills and techniques to the test in training session. They can be seen moving from one rural home to the next, and running through different drills to save these structures from different fire scenarios.

“They’re very mobile, they’re not attached to a hydrant like we normally would be when we’re dealing with a house fire or a commercial fire. They are mobile, and they need to be quick,” said Brise.

Firefighters who are trained in this course will be certified to teach these tactics and skills themselves.

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