With massive fires burning in California, Australia, and BC this year, Port Alberni is looking to find opportunity in the ashes by opening a school for wild fire and forest fire fighters.
The city along with FP Innovations and the Coulson Group, will be submitting an application to the rural dividend fund to support a Wildfire Suppression Center of Excellence.
The proposed school would be located within city limits with simulators built in the valley by the Coulson Group, and would cost around $60 million to complete according to Mayor Mike Ruttan.
Ruttan said the application will be for $300,000 with local partners contributing an additional $120,000