Firefighters go global

Photo: AFP/ABDUL QODIR

B.C. wildfire crews are going international.

British Columbia’s expertise in managing forest fires has helped a B.C. company win a contract extension to train workers in fire-plagued regions of Indonesia.

In February, Parksville-based TREK Wildland Services began working with Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), which manages forest lands in Indonesia. The relationship began after officials from the Ministry of International Trade introduced TREK to an APP sustainability officer. This introduction led to a three-month contract by APP, which they’ve now extended, and TREK is identified as a preferred supplier.

“This agreement is a great example of the business opportunities that are developing out of B.C.’s growing ties with Southeast Asia,” said Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat. “Asia Pulp and Paper operates several mills in B.C., and because of their investment in this province, companies such as TREK are being introduced to new business opportunities in overseas markets.”

TREK has trained 400 Indonesians in Sumatra and East Kalimantan to fight out-of-control forest fires using the Incident Command System (ICS), a standardized, co-ordinated emergency response system for fire management.

The company has many years of experience in resource and emergency management operations in British Columbia and across Canada, and abroad in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Americas and Asia. TREK supplies forest resource managers with strategic planning, coaching, mentoring and leadership on fire operations. It also helps them learn how to integrate specialized technologies to assist in wildfire detection, reporting and response data systems.

“TREK is pleased to work with Asia Pulp and Paper and its forest division Sinarmas Forestry,” said TREK Wildland president Phil Taudin-Chabot. “The Ministry of International Trade has been very helpful with providing insight into Indonesian and Southeast Asian business practices and culture. There are more opportunities for TREK and other Canadian companies to do helpful work in Indonesia.”

To help facilitate this deal, B.C. Ministry of International Trade staff assisted with meetings between TREK and APP to bring British Columbia’s forestry management expertise to the attention of the Jakarta-based paper and packaging giant. International trade officers reviewed TREK’s proposal to APP on wildfire prevention and operational fire management and provided logistical support throughout the process.

The Ministry of International Trade helps international buyers work with B.C. suppliers of goods and services in key markets around the world. The ministry offers contacts and support through a growing network of Trade and Investment Representatives offices, as well as our established services in Vancouver.