Course Overview
The course reviews the fundamentals of fire science, documents the ecological role of fire across British Columbia and examines fire as a tool for managing biological and physical aspects of terrestrial ecosystems. Through a combination of theory, relevant research and field assessments, students will learn how fire and restoration ecology are interconnected.
Prerequisite(s)
- Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.
Credits
2.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$590.54
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the theoretical elements of fire and how they effect fire behaviour.
- Describe various techniques used to predict fire behaviour.
- Assess forest fuel loads and fire risk in the field.
- Explain the role of fire on terrestrial ecosystems across British Columbia and how this can be used to inform ecological restoration.
- Understand measures that can be used to avoid or mitigate the impacts of fire.
- Compare and contrast fire with other natural and anthropogenic ecosystem disturbances.
- Describe the potential role of prescribed fire for maintaining ecosystems and wildlife habitat.
- Research and synthesize technical information relevant to wildfire and/or fire management.
- Identify laws, regulations and government policies relevant to fire management in British Columbia.
- Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of prescribed fire as a fuel management tool for parks, wilderness areas, or urban interface areas.
Effective as of Fall 2026
Related Programs
Fire and Ecosystem Management (RENR 8105) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Ecological Restoration
Bachelor of Science Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of RENR 8105 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 52964
Dates
Sep 11 - Dec 11 Loading
- CRN 52964
- $590.54 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11 - Dec 11 | Wed | 17:30 - 19:30 | Online |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
Colleen Ross
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course is reserved for students in Ecological Restoration. Please contact Anita Lai at anita_lai@bcit.ca to request permission to register.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.