The government of British Columbia wants to train 750 unemployed people to help fight their province's wildfires this year.

This year has the potential to be a record fire year in B.C. In case the summer continues to be hot and dry, Forests Minister Pat Bell wants to ensure they have enough personnel trained and ready, in case the military or help from other provinces is not available.

Bell said the province could use reinforcements on the fire lines, and laid-off forest workers and others who are unemployed would be perfect for the job.

The training program will pay people $15 an hour to take a two-day basic fire suppression and safety course, qualifying them for possible work this summer.

The $250,000 training program will have courses in Kamloops, Castlegar, Prince George, Smithers, Williams Lake and Parksville.

Are you interested? You can get more information at www.bcwildfire.ca.

Source:
B.C. to train unemployed to help fight forest fires - Laid-off forest workers would be perfect to help in hot, dry summer, minister says (The Globe and Mail)