Programs
The benefits of a well-trained fire department include improved safety, effectiveness, and performance across a wide range of emergency situations. The North Okanagan Fire Training Centre (FTC) provides high-quality, cost-effective, and accessible training designed to support the operational needs of fire departments.
Programs are delivered to fire departments seeking to train and develop their firefighters. While the FTC offers a range of training opportunities, including certificate programs, it is not an accredited training institution, and training is arranged through departments rather than individual registration.
The Air Brakes Endorsement program provides the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate vehicles equipped with air brake systems. Designed for fire service personnel, the training covers air brake system components, operation, inspection procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Participants learn how to conduct pre-trip inspections, recognise system malfunctions, and operate air-braked vehicles safely in emergency and non-emergency conditions. Upon successful completion, participants may qualify for an air brake endorsement in accordance with applicable provincial standards.
The Auto Extrication program provides hands-on training in safely removing patients from damaged vehicles following motor vehicle incidents. Participants learn how to assess scenes, stabilize vehicles, manage hazards, and use specialized rescue tools to gain access and disentangle occupants.
The program emphasizes responder safety, patient care, and teamwork while performing extrication techniques such as glass management, door removal, and roof operations. Training includes realistic scenarios to develop the skills required for efficient and coordinated rescue during emergency response situations.
The EV Safety program provides training on the unique hazards and safety considerations associated with electric vehicles (EVs) during emergency response. Participants learn how to identify EVs, understand high-voltage systems, and manage risks related to electrical shock, fire, and battery damage.
The program covers safe approaches to incidents involving EVs, including vehicle stabilization, shutdown procedures, fire suppression considerations, and post-incident hazards. Training includes practical guidance to ensure responders can operate safely and confidently when dealing with electric and hybrid vehicles in emergency situations.
The Emergency Scene Traffic Control program provides practical training for managing vehicle and pedestrian traffic at emergency incidents. Participants learn how to establish safe work zones, control traffic flow, and protect responders and the public during roadside and highway operations.
The program covers scene setup, hazard identification, communication, use of traffic control devices, and coordination with other responding agencies. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a safe and organized environment while supporting efficient emergency response operations.
This course prepares learners to assume the role of unit commander at a single alarm emergency incident. Learners will describe how to secure the scene, assess the situation, examine response alternatives, select and implement a response strategy, allocate resources, plan for expansion and demobilization of the event, and ensure public and firefighter safety throughout.
This is one course intended to meet the NFPA 1021 Standard progressing through the first level of Fire Officer Qualification, Fire Officer I (supervisory). The following areas of responsibility will be covered: human resource management, community and government relations, administration, inspection and investigation, emergency service delivery and health and safety.
This program is usually the first training a new firefighter receives. It provides the firefighter with all the essential skills to perform exterior firefighting activities. This program meets the training standards set by the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner.
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This program often follows the exterior program with interior fire suppression lessons. This program meets the training standards set by the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner.
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This course introduces the student to the techniques required to deliver a course from a prepared lesson plan. Students will be exposed to training aids, evaluation instruments and methods of establishing a positive learning environment. Students will also explore record-keeping techniques. This course is accredited to NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications, Chapter 4.
The First Responder Program provides foundational training for those serving in emergency response roles within fire departments. This program is designed to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to safely and effectively respond to a wide range of emergency situations.
Participants are introduced to essential life-saving techniques, including patient assessment, basic medical care, airway management, CPR, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The program also covers scene safety, incident awareness, communication, and teamwork—ensuring responders can operate effectively within a coordinated emergency response system.
This course is designed to provide the skills to function efficiently as a Safety Officer. The primary focus will be on developing decision-making skills through the recognition of cues that affect personnel safety while responding to an incident. This is an incident-specific, scene-oriented course, designed to teach what a Safety Officer needs to know.
Learn a proven incident site management system for emergencies or disasters. Students will be introduced to an effective system for command, control, and coordination of response at an emergency site. The Incident Command System (ICS) is recognized as a flexible and scalable all-hazards system, which provides a common response framework suitable to any size of event. Gain a basic understanding of the Incident Command System, its organization, principles, the basic structure and common responsibilities. This course is the first in a series of ICS training courses and will be of particular interest to first responders and those who have a site-support role in an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The Rope Rescue program provides specialized training in the safe use of ropes, knots, and rigging systems for rescue operations in challenging environments such as steep terrain, confined spaces, and elevated locations. Participants learn how to assess risks, build anchor systems, and perform raising and lowering techniques to safely move patients and responders.
The program emphasizes safety, teamwork, and technical proficiency, with a focus on proper equipment use and system setup. Training includes practical, scenario-based exercises that prepare participants to perform rope rescue operations effectively in real-world emergency situations.
The Wildland Urban Interface program provides training for firefighters operating in areas where residential development meets wildland vegetation. Participants learn how to assess wildfire risks, implement structure protection strategies, and apply suppression tactics to reduce the impact of fires on homes and communities.
The program covers fire behavior, defensible space principles, deployment of resources, and coordination within multi-agency wildfire responses. Training includes practical scenarios to help participants effectively protect property and safely operate in dynamic and high-risk WUI environments.