Colleen Ross
AFE Wildland Fire Ecologist
Helping communities build better relationships with fire.
The first fire on Earth ignited 420 million years ago and today many landscapes continue to be shaped by it. If we prepare ourselves and our environment to receive fire, we can improve wildfire outcomes, promote ecological benefits and restore human connection. 
Over two decades in command roles at incident and coordination levels including Plans Chief, Fire Behaviour Analyst, operations section roles and roles in air operations.
Completed successful plans and prescriptions in fire response, ecosystem restoration, cultural burning and prescribed fire. Success means they were implemented and met objectives.
Present on fire ecology and prescribed fire topics including leading workshops in fire effects monitoring and burn operations for diverse cultural and ecological values.
Hold a unique combination of professional designations (RPF, BIT, AFE Wildland Fire Ecologist) with a Master in fire ecology, NWCG certified Fire Effects Monitor, BCWS certified Fire Behavior Analyst and BCWS certified Burn Boss.
BCWS recognized instructor for S390 Intermediate Fire Behaviour, Air Operations, and S434 Ignition Specialist (co-authored original National course).
Multiple successful burns completed in the Burn Boss and supporting roles. Continue to mentor provincial and municipal governments, First Nations and contractor trainees.