Wildfire Prevention & Emergency Response Operations
Overview
Prepare to protect communities from tomorrow's biggest emergencies. Gain advanced training in wildfire prevention, emergency response, disaster management, and leadership through Canada's first integrated wildfire and fire service diploma.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters across Canada, the need for highly trained emergency responders has never been greater. Communities require professionals who can prevent emergencies before they occur, respond effectively when they do, and lead coordinated recovery efforts in increasingly complex environments.
Lambton College's Wildfire Prevention & Emergency Response Operations advanced diploma prepares graduates to meet these evolving challenges. Building on the College's long-standing reputation for excellence in fire education, this innovative program expands beyond traditional firefighting to include wildfire prevention, emergency management, disaster response, public safety education, and incident leadership.
As the first program of its kind in Canada, this diploma brings together structural firefighting, wildland firefighting principles, emergency preparedness, and leadership development into one comprehensive educational experience. Students graduate prepared to contribute to municipal, provincial, industrial, and emergency response organizations while helping communities become more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Take a look at our Fire Grounds
Located 14 km from the main campus and the largest live fueled training centre in Canada. Contact us to set up a tour of our one-of-a-kind facility.
Admission Requirements
- Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Certificate
-or-
Prior Learning Assessment with:
- NFPA 1001 Level I and Level II ProBoard or equivalent
- NFPA 1072 Awareness ProBoard or equivalent
- NFPA 1072 Operations ProBoard or equivalent
- Current York Physical Fitness or CPAT test or equivalent
-and-
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subjects of English and Mathematics for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in these required admission subjects. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Costs
- Fees will be determined in Spring 2027.
Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Students
If you already have some of the equipment listed from taking the Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training program, you are not required to purchase again.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Equipment
Apparatus Bay
When you step into the Lambton College Fire School's apparatus bay, you find a fully functioning, state-of-the-art, Fire Station. Key features include: rapid air exchangers (to reduce CO2 and vehicle emissions), a sizable compressor room ensuring self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are always on the ready, and a rope rescue wall. All of these features serve to enhance the real world training experience for our students. Three double bays house a fleet of fire apparatus including an aeriel, two engines, a tanker and rescue support vehicles (incident command, auto extrication and an ambulance.)
Fire School
The Lambton College Fire School, established in 1976, is the largest live-fueled fire training centre in Canada. Our suite of fire service programs provide graduates with the necessary skills and experience to become serious firefighter candidates. The team of expert instructors at the Fire School serve to solidify the college’s leadership position in delivering full fire service training by simulating scenarios using real-world props and ample time spent on the grounds, doing the work.
Courses
Contact
School of Fire Science, Health & Community Services
Program Information
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Graduates will be well-positioned for careers supporting emergency preparedness, wildfire prevention, disaster response, and fire protection across Canada.
Potential career pathways include:
- Wildland Firefighter*
- Emergency Management Coordinator
- Emergency Preparedness Officer
- Community Emergency Management Assistant
- Fire Prevention Officer
- Fire and Life Safety Educator
- Emergency Operations Centre Support
- Industrial Emergency Response Team Member
- Municipal Emergency Services
- Disaster Recovery and Resilience Planning
- Public Safety and Risk Management
*Additional agency-specific hiring requirements, fitness standards, and certifications may apply.
The broad skillset developed through this program also complements careers within municipal fire services, industrial emergency response, public safety organizations, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, government agencies, and non-government emergency response organizations.
More Information
Build Career Ready Skills
As part of their capstone project, students will develop a comprehensive emergency management plan for an organization. This hands-on experience helps students apply their skills, solve real-world challenges, and build a portfolio piece to share with future employers.
Skill Demands
All students are required to meet the following demands:
- Applicants must be able to lift a bulk mass of 18 kg (40 lbs) and have the ability to dismantle and assemble large pieces of equipment.
- A satisfactory level of both fine and gross motor control.
- Must climb vertical ladders and walk on platforms with open gratings.
- Will not be allowed to wear glasses when wearing breathing apparatus.
- Must be clean shaven to ensure a good seal with the face mask.
- Must possess at minimum a G2 license by the end of the fall semester.
The following are not requirements of the program, but students should be aware that these requirements must be met if you are hoping to pursue a career with the municipal fire service:
- Visual requirements of 20/30 in each eye, without the use of contact lenses, and satisfactory completion of a colour vision assessment may be required.
- Should not be convicted of a criminal offense for which a pardon has not been granted.
- Should be able to communicate in English, both written and orally.
Some students with disabilities may require academic accommodation to equalize opportunities to meet the academic demands of a course or program.
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.