BC announces extra funding for small fire departments
The Province of BC has announced $5 milion in extra funding for equipment and training for smaller volunteer and composite fire departments and First Nations communities. Click here to read more.
BC Wildfire Service pilot project plans to fight forest fires at night
The BC Wildfire Service is embarking on a pilot project using night vision technology to fight wildfires. Click here to read more.
FireSmoke Canada wildfire smoke forecasts
FireSmoke Canada provides forecasts, information and resources about smoke from wildfires. Click here to read more.
Calgary 911 receives international recognition for excellence
Calgary 911 is one of two centres in Canada (along with Red Deer) and 22 around the world to achieve status as an Accredited Centre of Excellence (ACE) for its use of the Fire Priority Dispatch System and the Medical Priority Dispatch System. Click here to read more.
Workouts pay off for firefighters
Firefighters from Nevada say their workouts taught them, "it's OK to be uncomfortable and that translates very well to working long, hard hours." Click here to read more.
Rubberneckers make first responders’ jobs more dangerous
First Nation needs to build forest fire fighting capacity
The Tsilqhot'in First Nation has released a review of the 2017 wildfire season. The review makes 33 recommendations for improvements in training, infrastructure and funding. Click here to read more.
BC regulations allow logging debris to be left on the ground for years
Current rules allow forestry companies up to 30 months to clean up debris left by logging and, even after cleanup, to leave large amounts of debris on the ground. Click here to read more.
Female firefighters’ health needs often neglected
Seventy-five percent of female firefighters in the US and Canada said they don’t have access to female-specific personal protective equipment. Click here to read more.
Change in BCEHS response policy has firefighters concerned
BC Emergency Health Services has implemented a new dispatch model that firefighters say is endangering the public. Click here to read more.
BC wildfire fighters to get occupational disease coverage
Under legislation introduced in the BC legislature cancer, heart disease and mental health disorder presumptions will be expanded to include wildfire fighters, investigators and fire crews working for indigenous groups. Click here to read more.
Michigan fire chiefs want rules for disposal of firefighting foam
As fire-fighting foams containing PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer, immune system dysfunction and issues with child development Michigan fire chiefs are seeking a protocol for disposal of the foams. Click here to read more.
Fatal fire raises concerns about thousands of other buildings
A fatal fire in Esquimalt, BC has raised concerns about thousands of similar buildings - three and four storey walk-ups without sprinklers. These buildings didn't require sprinklers when they were built and were grandfathered under the old building code. Click here to...
Robson FD named fire department of the year by MD Canada
Robson Fire Department, which recently held its sixth annual Boot Drive to raise funds for muscular dystrophy, has been named "Fire Department of the Year" by Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Click here to read more.
U.S. auto safety regulator to open investigation into Hyundai, Kia engine fires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will open an investigation into 3 million Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation vehicles after reports of more than 3,000 fires. Click here to read more.
9/11 compensation funds running out
The growing number of people registered as having 9/11-related illnesses is putting pressure on the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. Click here to read more.
Residents used to false alarms ignore fire in Hay River highrise
Residents of a 17-story building in Hay River, NWT are so accustomed to false fire alarms that they disregarded the alarms when there was actually a fire in the building. Click here to read more.
Vernon ordered to reinstate two employees dismissed for sexual activity in fire chief’s office
The City of Vernon has been ordered to reinstate two fire department employees who were caught on video engaging in sexual activity in the fire chief's office and subsequenty dismissed. Click here to read more.
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