ABOUT
Based in the Southern Interior of British Columbia.
Owned and operated by Doug MacLeod.I have 46 years’ experience in the forest industry. I have worked in the silviculture, harvesting, planning and wildfire sectors. Early in my career I worked seasonally as a tree planter, choker-man, bucker/faller, equipment operator, juvenile spacer, and fire crew member spending winters as a ski patroller at local resorts. This seasonal work progressed to running my own contracting company providing services primarily in silviculture and wildfire response. After attending forest technical school, I provided training and advice helping contractors meet their safety, environmental and wildfire obligations. Most recently I have been involved in planning and implementation of harvest and wildfire mitigation projects as well as wildfire response.
I have been involved in emergency response from my late teens starting as a first aider and avalanche specialist at ski resorts. Having grown up, resided, and raised a family in rural BC I recognize the need to contribute to a community. I leveraged my work experience into volunteering as a Search and Rescue member, Ambulance Attendant and 18 years as a Volunteer Fire Fighter.
Once per summer throughout my career I have had an interaction with a wildfire. These interactions have become progressively more intense and prolonged. This progression culminated in the summer of 2023 when I worked on fires that devasted two communities and endangered hundreds of residents and responders.
My experience allows me to accurately assess specific training and equipment needs and provide appropriate instruction and advice to a very wide audience.
SERVICES
At present, our primary business focus is providing training and response services to a variety of customers.
Our aim is to provide timely, achievable, effective, up to date and cost-efficient wildfire instruction to all stakeholders that have the potential to be affected by a wildfire.
By staying involved in response we can continually improve our products and services as changing conditions require.
Specialized Training Programs
Our training includes audience specific information on wildfire prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Our current focus is on improving introductory level material. We have helped develop and improve other training material for various agencies and groups.
We have provided training to stakeholders from First Nations crews, the Forest, Agriculture, Outdoor Recreational and Construction Industries, Type 2 and 3 Wildfire Contractors, BC Wildfire Service crews as well as rural residents.
Through tailored strategies and hands-on training, we empower these diverse groups to proactively tackle wildfire threats, fostering community-wide preparedness and a collective effort toward wildfire resilience.
I am a BC Wildfire Service endorsed instructor authorized to teach:
- S100/S185 Basic Wildfire Safety and Suppression
- All courses required to meet the BC Wildfire Type 2 and Type 3 contract crew standards
- BC Wildfire S345 Line Location and Equipment Management
Specialty Response Services
Our current focus is providing Control Line Location and Construction Supervision to industry and the BC Wildfire Service. The objective is to safely establish effective control lines as efficiently as possible while minimizing the impact on affected values. We can also fill various other roles in the Incident Command System.
Other Specialty Services
We are able to supply a full range of wildfire and forestry field services. Services include Wildfire Preparedness Assessments, Response Drills and Prevention Advice for a variety of industries, communities, and rural residents. Working with appropriate land management professionals, we are able to provide field work for planning and implementing Community Wildfire Risk Assessments, Firesmart Activities, Fuel Modification Projects and post fire Rehabilitation and Recovery. We are also able to provide a full range of regular forestry technical field services.
Reviews
“Doug has extensive experience in all forest sectors including fire suppression. This gives him a unique and comprehensive understanding of participant requirements. Because of this training we feel our people are informed and ready to respond.”
“In my opinion, Doug’s success is directly linked to his effective communication styles. He is able to relate and adapt to a range of audiences – operators, professional, and managers. Doug has a good reputation amongst the people that he has worked with throughout his career.”
“Doug was able to problem solve, adapt to changing conditions and situations and to find solutions with the contractor when problems arose. Doug has an excellent rapport with contractors to this regard and was a critical contributor to their success.”
“Had it not been for Doug MacLeod’s tireless efforts and experience of how to handle circumstances like [the Nk’Mip Wildfire], the effects would have been much worse. We were so fortunate to have Doug leading the wildfire fighting brigade. The way that he conducts himself in high pressure situations and the guidance that he can provide are invaluable traits.
“Doug was thorough in any job that he completed and did not leave things half done. He was able to communicate clearly with his fellow employees and clients that showed his respect for others. Doug is honest and values integrity.”
“Doug’s wildfire training course sets the industry standard for wildfire training courses.”
“We highly recommend Doug for any such projects because of his professionalism and attention to detail. He has a very long history in the Forest Industry and is trusted throughout. Doug did an outstanding job here at Baldy Mountain. He left us all very pleased and comfortable that we are now protected and have reduced the effects a wildfire may present.”
“In my experience Doug’s passion for safety and education in regard to fire and wildfire mitigation is inspirational. Doug’s knowledge, compassion and experience was paramount with the successful outcome of a wildfire situation that involved myself, family and friends. I look forward to working with Doug in the future.”
“Thank-you Doug for all you have done for the community and with this project. From researching the options, to bringing the application to BMR and for overseeing the whole project. Having a professional who understands and cares about this community is much appreciated.”
This didn’t suck as bad as I thought it would.