A forest hazard injuring firefighters has prompted special training in B.C.
The course is one way officials are working to help keep firefighters safe.
Canada is in the midst of an unprecedented wildfire season, with a record number of areas burned. Resources are so stretched thin that international firefighters and the Canadian military have been called in to help.
At least four wildland firefighters have died while battling the fires this summer.
Experts say that in extreme fire conditions, the most dangerous part of fighting a blaze isn't the flames, but rather the surrounding danger, such as falling trees.
In an effort to address these dangers, the British Columbia government, along with WorksafeBC and the University of Northern British Columbia have created the Wildlife Dangerous Tree Assessor Certificate Program.
It is a two-day course that allows firefighters and other forestry workers to gain hands-on experience in the backcountry, helping assess and identify trees that could pose a safety threat.
Watch the video above to learn more.
Header image: file photo/Canva.
