FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
The Role of AI In Modern Firefighting
A new article explores the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in firefighting, showing how data‑driven tools, sensors and intelligent systems are helping crews stay safer and work smarter. The piece highlights both the promise of tech like predictive...
Reports Confirm Lightning Sparked Devastating Jasper Wildfire
Parks Canada has released two detailed reports on the July 2024 wildfire in Jasper National Park, confirming that a lightning strike triggered the blaze, and that “tornado‑force” fire‑driven winds and heavy fuel loads helped it spread rapidly. The findings point out...
Flamin’ Bot: Los Alamos County Debuts Remote-Controlled Wildfire Mitigation Technology
Los Alamos County Fire Department is deploying a remote‑controlled wildfire‑mitigation robot from BurnBot that can thin hazardous fuels in rugged terrain, without putting crews at risk. This tech‑forward approach is designed to create defensible space faster and safer...
Los Angeles Firefighters Didn’t Use TIC to Confirm Jan. 1 Wildfire was Out
In the lead‑up to the catastrophic Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department opted not to use a thermal imaging camera despite signs that embers remained trapped underground. Critics say that the choice may have helped transform a...
Thousands Of These Expensive Power Stations Are Recalled After Causing Devastating Fires
A major recall has been issued on thousands of high‑priced portable power stations after reports that the lithium‑ion batteries inside can overheat and ignite, posing serious fire and safety risks. See how this hazard was uncovered and what consumers need to watch out...
From Skepticism to Standard: How Firefighters Adopt New Technology
New tools like real‑time GPS trackers, biometric wearables and digital command boards promise to revolutionize firefighting, but many crews still aren’t using them. A new survey shows that to become routine, tech needs to be simple, fast and backed by leadership,...
AI-powered Wildfire System Passes First Real-World Test, Snuffing Out Fires Automatically
A startup has successfully demonstrated an automated wildfire‑suppression system that uses AI to detect spot fires and deploy smart capsules mid‑air for immediate response. This “Wildfire Resilience‑as‑a‑Service” tech could be a game‑changer for communities at risk...
This Startup Wants to Suppress Fire with Sound
A Cleveland‑based startup is testing a fire‑suppression system that uses infrasound (sound below the level humans can hear) to disrupt flames instead of spraying water or foam. It promises a damage‑free way to defend homes and infrastructure from wildfire risk....
How Firefighters Are Using New Technology to Save Lives
Fire crews in Georgia are now receiving crucial data before they arrive on scene, thanks to a new tech system that lets residents input info like the number of people at home, pets, health issues or layout hazards. This heads‑up could mean the difference between a...
ISU Engineers Are Creating a Computer Game to Train Emergency Responders for Dangerous Situations
Engineers at Iowa State University are developing a multiplayer computer game that trains emergency responders to make swift decisions during disasters, such as a sudden derecho. The interactive simulation immerses players in roles such as fire chief or EMS lead under...
US Firm’s Drones With 1,000 Lbs of Suppression Power Bring Faster Fire Response
A U.S. company has developed drones that deploy in squads to fight wildfires, each carrying hundreds of pounds of suppressant and arriving in under ten minutes. The decades‑old firefighting model is being challenged by this new tech. Find out how this could change the...
Lithium Battery Ignites on Air China Flight in Mid-Air, Horrifying Passengers as Flames Burst Out in Cabin
A mid‑air fire forced a plane to make an emergency landing after a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry‑on caught fire in the overhead bin. Explore what this incident means for in‑flight battery safety and how airlines are responding. nypost.com
Is Your Crew Bonded, or Just Sharing Wi-Fi?
FIRERESCUE1.COM In an era when everyone carries personal devices, firefighters say their off‑duty hours are becoming fragmented “crew time” is fading fast. The article explores how this shift could erode camaraderie, trust and team cohesion. Read more to see what’s at...
Fullerton Drone Lab Takes Fire Response and Mitigation to New Heights
SPECTRUMNEWS1.COM Students at Fullerton College’s Drone Lab are using LiDAR-equipped drones to scan wildfire burn scars from the Airport Fire, helping officials spot terrain weaknesses and landslide risks before the next disaster strikes. See how this small team is...
‘Taking A Toll’: Firefighter Union Says Funding Not Keeping Pace with Demand on Members
CBC.CA Firefighter unions are warning that even with a $21‑million funding bump, resources still aren’t keeping pace with the growing demands placed on crews. They say stretched budgets mean higher risk, burnout, and slower responses. Read more to see how fire...
Preventing The Next Lithium Fire at Sea: A Data-driven Blueprint for Safer Transportation
SAFETY4SEA.COM Cargo ships carrying lithium-ion batteries face a growing fire risk, but new data-driven safety systems are helping map out how to avoid disaster at sea. From enhanced monitoring to smarter incident response, the blueprint could reshape marine battery...
AI Cameras Are Spotting Wildfires Across California – Often Before Humans Call 911
PHYS.ORG/NEWS Across California, a network of over 1,200 AI‑enabled cameras now detects wildfires, even before anyone calls 911, scanning up to 120 miles in the dark. These “lookout” systems alert dispatchers in real time and are catching fires while they’re still...
One in Seven First Nations Impacted as Canada Battles Raging Wildfires
INDIGENOUSWATCHDOG.ORG Raging wildfires across Canada are touching communities in deeply personal ways, an estimated one in seven First Nations are facing impacts from smoke, evacuations or fire damage. As the blaze zone expands, these communities are forced to draw...























