WFS490 - Wildland Fire Suppression

Subject Title
Wildland Fire Suppression

Subject Description
This course will introduce the student to the terminology, tools and methods commonly used in wildland fire suppression. In addition to in class theory, students will participate in hands on practical sessions using wildland fire suppression equipment and various suppression techniques. Content will focus on Firefighter Safety, Wildland Fire Behavior, Fire Prevention and Suppression Techniques.

Due to the hands-on practical of this course, a $70 lab fee is required, which also includes gloves to be used during the practicals.

Credit Status
One college course credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Know the basic skill requirements, terminology and working conditions found in wildland firefighting personal protective equipment, tools and operations;
2. Construct fire-line safely and effectively when using standard wildland fire equipment including portable wildland fire pumps, hose lays, and hand tools;
3. Describe the various types of equipment used in the field Describe environmental influences (fuel, weather and topography) and how they govern wildland fire behaviour;
4. Identify and interpret the components of the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System (CFFDRS);
5. Understand the variable nature of the Canadian wildland fire problem and the need to develop a fire prevention programs;
6. Understand the concepts of Wildland firefighting tactics, strategies and water supply.
7. Identify the three “E”s of Wildland Fire Prevention and use this knowledge and the ability to assess a wildland fire problem to develop a Fire Prevention plan;
8. Understand and describe the principles of chain of command and span of control as they are applied in wildland fire operations including Unified Command Structures;
9. Understand basic fire ground communications and terminology. 

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.