New defensive firefighter training materials to help NWT communities build local capacity

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has created new Northwest Territories Defensive Firefighter Training (NWT-DFT) materials to support fire departments in small communities across the territory.

The training package comprises nine workbooks covering firefighter safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), fire service communications, command systems, fire chemistry and extinguishers, fire hose operations, water supply, defensive operations, and fire prevention. A facilitator's guide and evaluation tools are also included. All resources are available for both printing and digital download, providing communities with flexible access to training when needed.

The curriculum was developed by a committee of fire chiefs and specialists who identified 34 essential defensive firefighting skills most relevant for the NWT. Each skill is taught and assessed according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, ensuring firefighters are trained in a manner that is both practical and professional.

Before finalization, the training materials went through several testing stages: fire chiefs at the defensive level from across the NWT completed the course in summer 2024, a train-the-trainer session was held in fall 2024, and the Office of the Fire Marshal, along with NFPA-recognized trainers, reviewed the revised content.

To date, 19 communities across the NWT with defensive fire departments are planning to implement the NWT-DFT program, with more expected to join. The program offers communities a competency-based training framework for departments that operate at a defensive service level - fighting structure fires from a safe distance. This approach prioritizes firefighter safety while ensuring communities are ready to protect homes and infrastructure.

By developing a northern-specific solution tailored to local realities, the NWT-DFT program addresses the high costs and limited access associated with southern training alternatives. Communities can now train their firefighters locally using resources suited to their equipment, conditions, and staffing levels, with support from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs' Learning and Development Advisors and regional Assistant Fire Marshals.

Quotes

"These new training materials equip NWT communities with the tools they need to train their firefighters safely and effectively at home. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to building local capacity, making training accessible, and empowering communities to take ownership of their fire protection. At its heart, this program is about protecting people, homes, and ensuring safe communities for Northerners."

- Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

"This new training package represents a major step forward in strengthening firefighter safety and readiness across the Northwest Territories. By developing northern-specific materials that align with national standards, we are ensuring that community fire departments have the tools and confidence to train effectively at home. Our role now is to continue working closely with community fire chiefs to monitor, support, and enhance the delivery of this program so that it remains practical, sustainable, and responsive to the realities of the North."

- Craig Halifax, Northwest Territories Fire Marshal

"The Northwest Territories Fire Chiefs Association is excited to see the launch of the new defensive program materials tailored for small community Fire Departments. We sincerely appreciate the hard work and collaboration that went into developing and refining this program alongside the small community Fire Departments. Our hope is that these materials will effectively support an in-house firefighter training program, serving as a strong foundation for each department's success."

- Travis Wright, President of the Northwest Territories Fire Chiefs Association

Quick facts

• Defensive firefighting means working from outside the hazard zone to contain fires and protect surrounding structures
• The program is competency-based, teaching 34 core defensive skills identified as most relevant for small NWT fire departments.
• Communities also have access to additional support from MACA Learning and Development Advisors and Assistant Fire Marshals.

Related links

• Defensive Fire Training Program
• NWT Defensive Firefighter Training Program FAQs

For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected]
867-767-9162 ext. 21012