Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange
5th Annual Canadian Prairies TREX
October 19-23, 2026 | Saskatoon, SK
You're invited to come learn and gain experience with prescribed fire at the 2026 Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX), held from October 19-23, 2026. This event is hosted by Meewasin and the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange, in partnership with numerous agencies in the Saskatoon Region. The training and prescribed fire exercises will take place at various sites throughout the Saskatoon region in Saskatchewan.
This intensive 5-day event will provide learning opportunities and hands on experiences from a diverse multi-partner group of prescribed fire practitioners of varying experience and training, that builds on current capacity and prescribed fire partnerships.
This program is designed to bring together a diverse group of fire practitioners - including land managers, volunteer fire departments, university students, firefighters, government representatives, Indigenous groups, natural resource managers, scientists, and researchers.
Prior prescribed fire experience is not required. This training is recommended for individuals with beginner to intermediate wildland and prescribed fire skills.
Participants MUST be able to prove completion of the 15-hour, online Introduction to Prescribed Fire in the Grassland Environment course (or equivalent). Available ($150) at: CPPFE 001-Intro to Prescribed Fire USask, as well as ICS-100 training ($25) through ICS Canada. Participants can submit their results to cppfe@meewasin.com before the TREX begins.
Participants must have personal (WCB-covered), or employer-provided medical insurance. Participants should come with Fireline-approved boots (Minimum 6" leather work boots, with non-slip soles). We encourage those with proper PPE (Nomex clothing (or equivalent Fire-Resistant clothes), all leather gloves, eye protection, hard hat with ear protection) to bring it with them. We are able to provide PPE to anyone who does not have it, just indicate as such on your application.
Participants will serve in a qualified and trainee firefighting positions on a burn team and will assist with preparing, scouting, briefing, igniting, holding, mop-up, and patrol on prescribed fires in the area. We will also complete pre- and post-fire monitoring, train with various equipment, practice fireline leadership skills, and learn about local fire ecology and management.
Facilitated instruction and live fire will occur throughout the event as weather permits, so participants should be prepared for both classroom and in-field learning.
Registration is free. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and travel to and from the TREX location. We recommend attendees stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon East - University. This hotel is a block away from the Meewasin compound where TREX will take place. Lunch and snacks will be provided for each day of the event. We may also provide dinners during fires that run late, but we ask that participants are responsible for their own breakfasts and dinners.
Anticipate five 10-hour days (with potential to go longer) that are weather and activity dependant. Participants will need to cover their own salary in accordance with their organization's HR policies
All participants are expected to be in Saskatoon, SK for the start of the TREX event by 08:00 on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The event is capped at 70 participants, with a waiting list for additional participants. Priority will be given to CPPFE partner groups.
Registration forms are due by September 7, 2026.
For inquiries and questions, please contact cppfe@meewasin.com.
