R.D.N.O. Fire Training Centre Overview

The Fire Training Centre is a Regional Function. It has been established to provide a fire training facility and fire and safety training programs for Fire Departments within the Regional District of North Okanagan. Hands on training conducted at the “Live Fire” training facility provides the area fire departments with valuable realistic training and experience that firefighters require to perform safely and efficiently at emergencies and fire scenes. The FTC also provides valuable programs and training that would otherwise be too costly or impractical for departments to accomplish individually. Providing educational training programs regionally ensures cost effective and efficient training is available to all fire service personnel in the Regional District.

The FTC Function employs a full-time Fire Training Coordinator who manages and maintains the FTC facility, develops and delivers training programs, and coordinates all training delivered at the FTC or on behalf of the FTC. The Fire Training Coordinator is also a training resource for all fire departments within the Regional District of North Okanagan by assisting departments at the local level with training development and delivery.

Why “Live Fire and Fire Training Centre Training”?;

Safety! Our most valuable and important resource is the “Fire Fighter” the more that we can do to prepare and protect them through training the safer they will be on the fire ground. Fire Training Centre evolutions and props are realistic as possible while still providing a safe and controlled environment for training.

Ability and Preparedness; Live fire training and training programs increase/improve the fire fighter/department ability and better prepares them in dealing with emergencies and incidents. The success of fire attack and rescue operations revolves around the ability of the department to execute skills and evolutions with proficiency and consistency. The development of proficiency and consistency can only result from training. Live fire training scenarios can be easily duplicated in order to develop skill and confidence in fire fighters. Effective training means fireground effectiveness.

Risk Reduction, training and training documentation of our fire fighters lowers the risk of providing fire protection and ensures compliance with standards and regulations. Compliance with training regulations and standards is a requirement, not an option! The FTC plays a vital role in the delivery and provision of training to meet these requirements regionally. Just from the risk management prospective the FTC Function is priceless.

The R.D.N.O. Fire Training Centre plays a key role in the development, training and maintenance of our regions fire fighters. The benefits of having well trained department improve safety, effectiveness, and performance on the emergency scene. Fire Departments are constantly trying to provide the highest possible level of service to our communities. The FTC is providing high quality, cost effective, accessible training that will keep our fire fighters safe and enable them to provide a high level of emergency response to the regional community. The entire Regional District, all Departments and the residents they serve benefit from the FTC.

For further information contact Ron Baker, Community/Protective Services Manager at (250) 550-3731.