The Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) has launched free training courses to help designated local government fire inspectors and fire investigators meet training standards. Under the Fire Safety Act, which came into force on August 1, 2024, local governments are required to designate fire inspectors and investigators who meet specific training standards.
There are two self-paced online courses on offer: Basic Fire Inspector Fundamentals, and Basic Fire Investigator Fundamentals. It is estimated that each course will take approximately eight hours to complete. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of each course. The deadline to meet established training standards is September 30, 2026.
Individuals’ supervisors must request fire inspector and fire investigator training access on their behalf by completing the Training Request Form. Once the request is processed, OFC staff will send the trainees login credentials and a link to the training platform, OpenSchoolBC.
If an individual already meets the training standards outlined in the training standards (see Inspector Training Standard and Investigator Training Standard) they can complete a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) form instead of taking the courses. This form helps confirm compliance with the training standards. However, individuals who meet the training standards may still choose to take the courses.
Please note that the requirement to designate fire inspectors and investigators applies to all local governments, including regional districts that intend to request that the OFC perform fire inspections and investigations on their behalf, at no cost.
For more information, please refer to the Fire Safety Act Q&A document or email the OFC.