Colleen Ross, RPF, BIT

AFE Wildland Fire Ecologist

Managing Fire Through a Social-Ecological Lens

Let’s build better relationships with fire.

I am a Registered Professional Forester and Biologist in Training with a Master in Fire Ecology and Management, and obtained my AFE Wildland Fire Ecologist in 2012. I started my fire journey at a young age, burning fields for optimal grazing on the family farm. My interest in fire continued over the past 25 years as I worked in fire suppression and prescribed fire positions across western North America arriving to NWCG and BCWS certifications.

  • Over two decades in command roles at incident and coordination levels including Plans Chief, Fire Behaviour Analyst, operations section roles and 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 plans for diverse cultural and ecological values.

  • Bring unique qualifications outside the government with a Master in fire ecology, NWCG certified Fire Effects Monitor, BCWS certified Fire Behavior Analyst and BCWS certified Burn Boss.

  • BCWS recognized instructor of S390 Intermediate Fire Behaviour, Air Operations, and S434 Ignition Specialist (co-authored National course).

  • Multiple successful burns completed in the Burn Boss and supporting roles. Continue to mentor government, First Nation and fire department trainees.