Office of the Fire Commissioner

Interface Fire Information

An interface fire is a wildland fire that puts communities and people at risk. A wind-driven wildland fire, out of control and moving fast, can quickly spread from the forest to threaten your family’s safety, home and property. The current forest fire situation in British Columbia is a reminder to all of us that we need to take precautions to protect our families and property.

Resources:
•	Home Owners FireSmart Manual (3.8 MB)
•	FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire

Fire Safety Legislation

The Office of the Fire Commissioner administers the Fire Services Act and the BC Fire Code. Under this legislative authority, the Office appoints and trains Local Assistants to the Fire Commissioner (LAFC), implements fire safety regulations, processes technical code changes and resolves appeals.

Public Education

The public education program of the Office of the Fire Commissioner provides leadership in fire safety education, with provincial initiatives such as the Getting To Know Fire Program, National Fire Prevention Week activities and a Juvenile Firesetter Intervention program.

Training & Certification

Training Opportunities

• Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner (LAFC) Introductory Course (online course). This course if available to fire service staff at no cost. >> read more
  See Calendar of Events for next available LAFC training opportunity.

British Columbia Fire Service Training Standards

By Ministerial Order, effective January 1, 2003, the National Fire Protection Association training standards have replaced the British Columbia Fire Service Training Standards.

The British Columbia Fire Service Certification Program administered by the Office of the Fire Commissioner which was based on the now rescinded British Columbia Fire Service Training Standards is no longer in effect and is replaced by the certification to the NFPA standards issued by fire service training institutions who are accredited by IFSAC or ProBoard.

Those fire service members who have been certified under the BC Fire Fighter Training Standards by the Justice Institute of BC, Fire & Safety Division, may be eligible for NFPA certification subject to completing the bridging requirements. 

For more information on receiving recognition under the NFPA certification, please contact the Justice Institute of BC, Fire & Safety Division directly on their website at http://www.jibc.ca/fire/index.htm.

Fire Reporting

Fire reporting is a legislated requirement and the Office of the Fire Commissioner maintains an electronic Fire Loss Reporting System that records all BC fire loss statistics. Information collected yearly assists in areas such as public education planning, Building and Fire Code changes and identifying trends in fire loss.

Services & Information

The Office of the Fire Commissioner distributes various safety information bulletins and product hazard announcements to BC fire departments and related agencies. The office facilitates the implementation of fire department operational guidelines that provide for fire fighter safety and risk management objectives. The Office is also responsible for issuing awards and medals to BC fire service personnel.

•	Associations	•	BC Fire Department Listing (updated January 21, 2010)
•	Awards & Medals	•	OFC Bulletins
•	Calendar of Events	•	Guidelines
•	FAQ's

Please send any questions or comments to OFC@gov.bc.ca