Calgary contractor calls for mandatory boiler inspections
After being called in to inspect the boilers at an Airdrie apartment building where a young boy died after being exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide a Calgary contractor is calling on municipal and provincial authorities to make boiler inspections mandatory....
Fire Chief suggests innovative way to create more parking spaces
Surrey's Fire Chief, Len Garis, has suggested reducing the size of fire hydrant no parking spaces by half would allow firefighters appropriate access while dramatically increasing the number of street parking spaces in Metro Vancouver. Click here to read more.
Up to Code makes life easier for Medicine Hat landlords
The city of Medicine Hat has introduced a publicly available registry of secondary suites that have been inspected by fire officials who ensure the suites comply with building codes. Thirty-five landlords have applied to the program and another 50 applications are...
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief deeply regrets actions
March in fire history – the Happy Land fire
On March 25, 1990 an arson fire killed 87 people trapped in the unlicensed Happy Land Social Club in the Bronx, New York City, seventy-nine years to the day after the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist fire. Click here to read more.
Side by side sprinkler demonstration, Langley
At the Home and Family Sprinkler Summit in Langley presenters carried out a live burn demonstration of side by side structures - one equipped with sprinklers and one not. The results were dramatic. Click here to read more.
Firefighters concerned about proposed longer response times
Western University studies working wounded firefighters
A study carried out by Western University suggests the physical demands of the job have long-term impacts on firefighters' bodies. Click here to read more.
Hamilton considers free inspections for tenants, anonymous tip line
Hamilton city staff will report on 25 recommendations, including free inspections for tenants and an anonymous line, from a landlord group opposed to licencing. Click here to read more.
Washington State lawmakers propose banning toxic firefighting foams
Washington State lawmakers want to ban perfluorinated chemicals in firefighting foam to protect ground water and the health of firefighters. Click here to read more.
Canadian company develops eco-friendly, gel-based fire retardant
Ontario coroner’s panel to look at 58 indigenous fire deaths
An Ontario coroner's panel will be looking into nearly 60 indigenous fire deaths in that province in the last decade. The panel will include coroners, forensic pathologists, fire investigators and members of Ontario's indigenous communities. Click here to read more.
Vancouver fire hall to be first in Canada built to Passive House standards
The replacement for an ageing South Vancouver fire hall will be the first in Canada built to Passive House standards. The project is partially funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund and will also serve as a city-wide post-disaster...
Ultra high pressure water gun can cut through concrete
Illinois man’s arson conviction overturned after 22 years
Due to the work of the Illinois Innocence Project and advances in fire science and arson investigations an Illinois man has had his arson conviction overturned. Bill Amor spent 22 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted. Click here to read more.
February in fire history – the 1916 Parliament Hill fire
On February 2, 1916 a fire that began in the Reading Room of the House of Commons destroyed everything except the Library of Parliament. Seven people died in the fire. Click here to read more.
Ionization vs. photoelectric smoke alarms – debate continues
After a three year study Fire and Rescue New South Wales found it is the number, location and interconnection of smoke alarms that gives the best possible warning of a fire. The research has been challenged by independent fire experts. Click here to read more.
California mudslides “predicted and predictable”
Last month's deadly mudslides in California were terrifying but, according to Adam Rogers of Wired magazine, predictable and predicted. Click here to read more.
Recent Articles
Springfield Fire Department now using new technology to alert drivers to move over
This device can detect the one lightning strike likely to cause a wildfire
Enhancing Fireground Effectiveness Amid Staffing Challenges
Edmonton needs different approach for dealing with homeless encampments, police chief says
Bangladesh gets female firefighters for first time
Movers & Shakers
Trevor Pike Retires as Sechelt Fire Chief After 35 Years- Assistant Chief of Operations Daniel Walston appointed as next chief
- Clay Fire Chief Timm Schabbel retires after 35 years of service
- Winter Harbor welcomes new fire chief Roy Chandler
- Leonard Whitney, has been hired as the new Melfort fire chief
- Christopher Clarkin Sworn in as its new Fire Chief/Fire Marshal