The Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit acknowledges with gratitude that the event is taking place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation.
SPP-SPS – Structure Protection Specialist
2 Days – April 11 & April 12
Pre-requisites and Participant Eligibility
- Wildland Fire Fighter-1 (SPP-WFF 1) or S-100/S-185
- SPP-115 Wildland Structure Protection Program
- ICS 200
- SPP-S231 Engine Boss (Recommended)
- SPP-S330 Task Force Leader (Recommended)
- Fire Officer Level 1, Exterior Ops TL, or L-280 Followership to Leadership (Recommended)
- Demonstrated experience serving as a Structure Protection or Structure Defence Crew member on wildfire operations. (Recommended)
Course Pre-work will be assigned 4 weeks prior to the conference.
Course Description
This classroom-based course introduces fire service leaders to the role and responsibilities of a Structure Protection Specialist (SPS). Participants will gain an understanding of how the SPS supports local, in-jurisdiction response during Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) incidents, including coordination, resource integration, and operational planning. The course also highlights the broader scope of the position by addressing non-fire assignments and program responsibilities undertaken when not deployed, such as training support, equipment readiness, and inter-agency coordination.
Course Structure
The SPP-SPS Structure Protection Specialist course is a two-day (16-hour) program designed to strengthen and evaluate skills gained through previous training and field experience. Delivered through lecture, discussion, and tabletop exercises, it provides participants with a practical understanding of SPS duties and operational planning in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) environments. This course meets BCWS training requirements for the Structure Protection Specialist (SPS) role and is intended for in-jurisdiction application and not qualifying participants for provincial deployment.
Course Learning Objectives
- Outline the key elements of Structure Protection and Structure Defence planning for WUI operations.
- Define the role and core responsibilities of a Structure Protection Specialist (SPS) within BCWS and the Incident Command System (ICS).
- Develop and communicate a basic Structure Protection / Defence Plan aligned with ICS protocols.
- Coordinate effectively with municipal, Indigenous, and contractor resources under the Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA).
- Identify non-fire responsibilities of the SPS, including readiness, training, and inter-agency coordination.
- Demonstrate situational awareness and sound decision-making during structure protection operations.
EVENT
2026 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit
ADDRESS & CONTACT
Victoria Conference Centre & Fairmont Empress
720 Douglas St,
Victoria, BC V8W 3M7
wrts@pacegroup.com
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