S100A: Annual Safety Refresher Course

Written By Melissa MacPherson

Requirement for: BCWS Only

THIS is NOT an endorsed BCWS course.

This course is designed for individuals who already hold a valid S-100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety Certificate, as required by WorkSafe BC.

That 2 day course is a prerequisite for this annual Refresher Course.

 

Purpose of the S-100A Course

The S-100A Annual Wildfire Safety Refresher Course is designed to review your fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to respond safely and effectively to wildfires. Upon completing the course, you will have reviewed topics such as:

  • Environmental factors affecting wildfire behaviour.

  • Fire suppression strategies and safety protocols.

  • Proper use of firefighting equipment and resources.

  • And so much more…….

This training not only adheres to British Columbia Wildfire Service's standards but also meets WorkSafeBC regulations (26.3.1 of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulation), establishing itself as the province's minimum standard for wildland firefighter certification.

The S-100A is an annual refresher course for anyone who has completed the S-100 or S-100A within the past five years. If you haven’t had the chance to apply this knowledge on the job or with an organization, you must take this recertification course prior to be hired (or applying).

Inside the Course

Is a comprehensive overview of key topics and safety protocols for working in fire management. You will review concepts around: understanding of fire types, fuel classifications, and the various factors that influence fire behaviour. From there we'll cover things like fire ranking, chain of command, and crew briefings, ensuring that teams are prepared and coordinated when operating in high-risk environments. Practical skills like size up, cold trailing, and working on the fireline are emphasized to equip participants for hands-on fire management tasks.

Safety is a central focus, with summarized information on: evacuation procedures, emergency radio communication, and personal responsibility. You will also learn review concepts like LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones) and review WATCHOUT situations to avoid things like entrapment.

Finally, we’ll explore the role of supporting partners in fire suppression, namely Heavy Equipment and Aircraft operations, including both Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing aircraft. We'll review the safety protocols and requirements associated with all when out on the fireline.

All of this is to reinforce best practices you learned in your original course and build confidence in handling a variety of different situations when out on the fireline.

Examples of What’s Inside the Course

Testing Requirements for Certificate

To earn your certificate, you will need to pass the final quiz with a score of 70%.

Why A Certificate Matters

Achieving this certificate demonstrates adherence to WorkSafeBC’s mandatory requirements for anyone involved in wildfire suppression operations. It equips participants (you) with the technical knowledge required to meet industry standards but also confidence in your ability to stay safe while working under potentially hazardous conditions. Plus who doesn’t like taking more courses?!

If You’re Ready click on the button below to take you to the course login page.

Melissa MacPherson