University and wildfire service work together to take on global issue

In the past five years, more of B.C. has burned than in the previous 50. Extreme fire behaviour and activity are becoming increasingly common, and wildfire is now one of the most pressing issues on the planet.

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is seeking to address this challenge through TRU Wildfire, an initiative that includes a partnership with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and aims to help society better prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfires.

In April 2024, Premier David Eby announced this unique partnership between TRU and the BC Wildfire Service in response to the unprecedented impact of wildfire on B.C. communities. It’s the first established one-to-one partnership between a fire management agency and a university in North America.

TRU has worked with BCWS on three major outcomes.

Establish wildfire studies as an independent and distinct academic discipline – a first in Canada

It’s hoped that one day, students from across Canada will have access to the following at TRU: certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and graduate degrees that will encompass wildfire science, community and social resilience, health and wellness, and Indigenous fire stewardship.

“What we’re trying to do is not just create a degree but create a whole area, a discipline of study, said Shannon Wagner, TRU vice president of research. “It’s time to give recognition that this is one of the quintessential issues of our time and we need to resource it and pay attention to it the same way we would any other social issue that exists.”

Progress to date includes the following new certificates expected to start in September 2025:

• the Wildfire Science Certificate (Faculty of Science)
• the Sociocultural Dynamics of Wildfire Certificate (Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism)
• the Wildfire Communications and Media Certificate (Faculty of Arts)

Each of these certificates also form part of the first year of a Wildfire Studies Diploma within the Faculty of Arts. The interdisciplinary certificate programs were developed in consultation with community partners and include courses in the sciences and arts.

Two other approved certificates — Wildfire Leadership and Emergency Communications — are anticipated to start in 2026, along with the diploma in wildfire studies.

Create an ecosystem that invites all wildfire stakeholders

In comparison to other jurisdictions that have interesting and exciting initiatives that address wildfire, this is the first time where an educational institution and a response agency have come together to focus on all four components of research, education, training and innovation.

Linking these four areas is important because it means research informs practice, and vice versa, promoting rapid integration of operational knowledge and scientific findings in the field. Beyond that, linking research, education, training and innovation creates opportunities for interaction and collaboration between those working in wildfire-impacted industries, researchers, faculty and students, and wildfire leaders, sparking innovative ideas and solutions.

Create a clearer pathway for careers in wildfire

Work in wildfire is often considered seasonal work, but there are long-term career options. Through TRU Wildfire, it’s envisioned that individuals will have access to enhanced training and learning opportunities, ranging from basic skills training to formal academic credentials.

“To be better prepared for future wildfire challenges, we need to support our wildfire professionals — from new recruits through to leadership roles — and demonstrate that wildfire can be a long-term career choice,” said Aaron Pawlick, BCWS manager of academic partnerships. “Additionally, partnering with TRU to build upon our training capacity will go a long way toward developing and supporting future wildfire professionals.”

Overall, the approach with TRU Wildfire is comprehensive and broad, inclusive of all the different people and pieces that connect to wildfire. Together, TRU and BCWS are working to find meaningful solutions to this very pressing challenge and it’s going to be transformative as we move forward.

Learn more at tru.ca/wildfire.