Standardized systems for the training of fire professionals

Working towards a unified training system, based on the "European Qualification Framework".

The main objective of this approach will be to bridge the gap that exists today at the European level, between the academic and professional communities, in the field of prescribed burning, integrated fire management planning and the application thereof. In other to achieve these goals, the GRAF-DGPEIS team –General Direction of Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue Services of Catalonia in Spain – has produced a survey with as main purpose to analyse and evaluate existing training systems, of fire use. Now that the necessary information has been received from stakeholders, work has been conducted at the various levels of expertise identified. Long-term, a handbook with integrated contents will be required for each level of training, which will be produced on a digital material-database, to train groups of trainers from different countries.

Product's leader

Marta Miralles, GRAF-DGPEIS
Marta Miralles
Fire analyst in Catalan Fire-Fighters Department,
GRAF- DGPEIS.

Who will be interested in this product and why?

The target groups are fire managers of prescribed burning and suppression fires
- those who now fully use fire as a tool;
- those who are planning to do so.

What are the innovative features?

I am of the opinion that this product provides useful tools to translate the competence of fire professionals, to include the experience of large fires. Also, to benefit better from prescribed burning application and planning. This product is thus a critical tool to improve the fire managers’ experience in the case of prescribed burning, as well as large fires.

How does it serve the European cause with respect to the philosophy of Fire Paradox?

Firstly we have to consider the European community per sé, including those regions where short duration large fires occur and where many people are involved (Urban Interface). Also to consider, will be skills and tools locally developed, regions where there are fire professionals with little experience in large fire events and communities where fire is still regarded as a public enemy.
Thus the main goals that Fire Paradox proposes to address with these situations will be to provide tools towards fire-wise management. This will be achieved by means of the anticipation of opportunities to experience large fires, through enhancement of mechanisms to improve experience of large fire management.
The main purpose of this approach will be to change public awareness for the better. I think we can do this by using fundamental science in the development of handbooks, as well as through the knowledge of field products. Better utilization of existing work is also recommended.


Leader Contact

General objectives

The standardized systems of training for the fire professionals aim at working towards a common qualification system, based on the European Qualification Framework. It will be the first guidance steps for new organizations that want to include training for fire professionals in their courses. As large wildland fires remain non-frequent events, the need to increase learning opportunities is realized. It has therefore been noted that there is an urgent need for experienced, well-trained, professionals to apply successful suppression fire operations.

Innovative aspects: A harmonised system of training material for European fire managers

Until now each country possesses its own school of knowledge and there exists no common training in fire management that has been accepted by all fire management professionals.
A deep fire knowledge and experience is a key issue so as to be able of managing fires in a successful and safe way.
For managing fires safely and successfully, a well-developed knowledge and experience base will be the key. Conversely, with this product an attempt will be made to:
- recommend a list of skills, competence and qualifications to be provided for each task/role;
- provide key-online training material, which will be Europe-specific;
- address past-experience during exchanges, including recognition of competence of fire managers.

Major results

In order to assemble all knowledge and competence required to use fire as a management tool, the GRAF-DGPEIS team is working on a recording system with recognized qualifications incorporated. For this purpose, specific digital training material will be considered as important in Europe, and this will be created for training groups of trainers from various countries. Guidelines to create a network of persons for exchanges of key information and mutual aid between fire managers will be established. They will furthermore define qualifications and standards of expertise for each training level within the training programme and also develop the training material required for each level of expertise.

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Standardized systems of training for the fire professionals


Standardized systems for the training of fire professionals



Standardized systems of training for the fire professionals - http//www.fireparadox.org

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