FSWO will host our annual training symposium in partnership with Oakville Fire Department on October 23-25, 2025. This world-class event attracts fire service personnel from all ranks and divisions. While our training event is primarily geared towards women, all genders are welcome.
We welcome your proposals for training sessions. Sessions can be hands-on training or classroom-based. Session length is usually 2, 4 or 8 hrs. We are looking for proposals that speak to the following themes: firefighter tactics and training, fire service leadership, mental strength and resilience, emerging issues in the fire service, fire prevention, fire communications, fire and life safely public education, fire investigation, fitness and health, and more.
We are particularly looking for “advanced” training topics to challenge and engage our more seasoned attendees.
The Oakville Training Campus for Emergency Excellence and nearby Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre will serve as our location host.
For hands-on training, the six-acre training campus facility features:
- Live burn training tower
- Firefit/Firefighter Combat Challenge tower
- Rope rescue tower
- Drager System 64 Exterior Propane live fire simulators
- Hydro rescue area
- Auto-extrication pad
- Below grade hydro vault
- Confined space props
- SCBA confidence maze
- Driver training area
- Realistic streetscape (traffic lights/signs/rail crossing etc.)
- Water rescue pond
- Rehabilitation area
- Classrooms
Simulations allow firefighters to gain real-life experience in a controlled setting. Possible simulations available at this facility include:
- Firefighting and rescue
- Technical rope rescue
- Water and ice rescue
- Auto extrication
- Confined space rescue
- Hazardous materials response
- Emergency medical
We welcome your ideas at any stage of development. Email symposium@fswo.ca for a proposal form. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 2025.