FireWatch

FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.

Can Canada fight wildfires at night? What to know

Can Canada fight wildfires at night? What to know

As Canada’s wildfire season begins, firefighters hope for favourable weather to aid their efforts. However, some Canadian provinces are exploring a different strategy: nighttime firefighting. globalnews.ca

How the deadly heat dome changed firefighters’ jobs in one B.C. city

How the deadly heat dome changed firefighters’ jobs in one B.C. city

Firefighters in New Westminster, B.C., with the highest death rate during the 2021 heat dome, can now provide more medical interventions during emergencies. The City announced that fire department members are now "emergency medical responders," enabling them to assess...

Volunteer firefighters see doubling in tax credit.

Volunteer firefighters see doubling in tax credit.

The federal government announced on Wednesday that tax credits for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue crews will double in 2024. Firefighters with 200 or more volunteer hours will now qualify for a $6,000 credit, up from the previous $3,000 My Bulkley Lakes...

Oro-Medonte fire chief smokes out several ways to boost revenue.

Oro-Medonte fire chief smokes out several ways to boost revenue.

Oro-Medonte Township’s new fire chief, Ralph Dominelli, swiftly acted on KPMG’s recommendation to find new revenue streams. Within three months of his appointment, Dominelli presented over a dozen new fees to the township council for consideration on Wednesday. The...

Wildland firefighters’ respiratory health to be studied by UBC

Wildland firefighters’ respiratory health to be studied by UBC

After more than a decade of battling smoky wildfires in British Columbia, firefighters report significant physical tolls. In recent years, devastating fires across the province have exposed thousands of firefighters to smoke with minimal protection. New research now...

Civil service preps to boost wildland firefighter numbers

Civil service preps to boost wildland firefighter numbers

Around 40 Island civil service workers are preparing for wildland firefighter training, which could nearly double the number of provincially paid firefighters if all succeed. The province is collaborating with Natural Resources Canada to boost wildland firefighting...

Saskatoon Fire Department year-in-review highlights increase in calls

Saskatoon Fire Department year-in-review highlights increase in calls

In 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department handled 25,176 calls for service, a 57% increase from 2019's 16,029 calls. This incident rise was highlighted in the 2023 SFD Year in Review presented at this week's environment, utilities, and corporate services committee...

Solar Chimney Dual Purpose Aids in Home Heating and Fire Safety

Solar Chimney Dual Purpose Aids in Home Heating and Fire Safety

Researchers in Melbourne, Australia, have developed a solar chimney that's both energy-efficient and fire-safe, a first-of-its-kind innovation for sustainable building features. Click here for an additional 7 interesting facts about solar panels. Click here to read...

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