Weston Family Foundation commits $8M to scale capacity for prescribed fire in Canada.

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TORONTO, ON – February 25, 2026 —The Weston Family Foundation, and the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus (UBCO), have launched a first-of-its-kind $8M Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program. This program will strengthen national capacity for the safe and effective use of prescribed fire, with the goal of enhancing biodiversity and strengthening ecological and community resilience.

Prescribed fire is a safe, planned, and controlled land management practice essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Despite its demonstrated benefits, the value of prescribed fire is not widely recognized or understood. In Canada, its use remains limited due to a lack of training, mentorship, and opportunities for firsthand operational experience.

The Canadian Prescribed Fire Training Program addresses this critical gap by training practitioners across Canada, ensuring that prescribed fire practices reflect local ecosystems, governance structures, and operational realities. The program emphasizes evidence-informed practice, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and respect for Indigenous-led fire stewardship and cultural fire. By strengthening training and capacity nationwide, the Program will support healthier and more resilient landscapes and communities.

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