Alberta rolls out plan for 2017 wildfire season
Alberta's wildfire plan for 2017 includes longer contracts for water tankers hired to fight fires and increased fines for abandoning campfires or burning during bans. Click here to read more.
Lifesaving apps launched in Florida
Orange County Fire Rescue recently launched two lifesaving apps that encourage citizens with CPR training to respond to sudden cardiac arrest incidents near them. The apps, PulsePoint Respond and Pulse Point AED, notify users through their mobile devices that someone...
February in fire history – Black Saturday bushfires
Australia's all-time worst bushfire disaster took place in February 2009, when an exceptional heat wave sparked 400 fires in the state of Victoria. One hundred seventy-three people died and 414 were injured. February 7 has become widely referred to in Australia as...
Dubai launches rapid response jetski with a firefighter on a jetpack
Hamilton will not charge user fees for waterfall rope rescues
After Hamilton's fire chief warned a user fee could deter people from calling for help city officials have decided not to charge for rope rescues at local waterfalls. Instead they will look into creating a map of trouble spots on the Niagara Escarpment, where numerous...
Langley Township Fire Chief honoured
In recognition of his longstanding dedication to public service and public safety, the Justice Institute of British Columbia will confer an honourary Doctor of Laws degree upon Stephen Gamble, the Township of Langley's Fire Chief. Gamble has spent 38 years in the fire...
After 24 years arrests made in L.A. fire that killed 10, including 7 children
Los Angeles police have arrested several suspects in a fire that swept through a crowded apartment building in May of 1993, killing ten. Among the dead were seven children. More than 100 residents were displaced and 40 were injured. Three of the suspects apparently...
NFPA issues safety bulletin on firefighter protective hoods
Because firefighter protective hoods do not stop soot and chemicals from depositing on a firefighter's neck and head a new NFPA bulletin recommends that fire departments establish practices for care and maintenance of this piece of equipment. here for the full...
Tenants reminded to ensure their landlords provide working smoke alarms
After a house fire in Vancouver killed a toddler, tenants' advocates are reminding renters that they need to ensure their homes have working smoke alarms. Provincial guidelines require landlords to install smoke alarms and keep them in good working condition but there...
Sleep health program can reduce injuries and disability in firefighters
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a sleep health program incorporating sleep health education and sleep disorder screening. Findings of their study showed a nearly 50 percent reduction in long term disability days among those who participated, as...
Battery with inbuilt fire extinguisher developed
Stanford University's research team has designed a lithium-ion battery that contains the flame retardant triphenyl phosphate inside a shell. The shell melts when the temperature reaches 150C, releasing the chemical compound. In tests battery fires were extinguished in...
Firefighters put on union trail for joining volunteer fire departments
The International Association of Fire Fighters is overseeing a union trail in which four Ontario professional firefighters have been charged with misconduct for also joining volunteer fire departments.Ontario is one of two provinces that does not have legislation...
Michaels U.S. recalls rock salt lamps
Michaels U.S. has recalled three Lumiere Himalayan rock salt lamps because the dimmer switch and/or outlet plug can overheat and ignite, posing shock and fire hazards. Customers should immediately stop using the Rock of Gibraltar, Carnival of Lights and Basket of...
January in fire history – Laurier Palace theatre fire
The Laurier Palace Theatre fire, which broke out during an afternoon screening attended by 800 children, killed 78 when one exit was found to be locked and other avenues to safety had inward opening doors. here to read more.
Outspoken BC fire chief dies suddenly
Rob Patterson, chief of the Malahat Volunteer Fire Department for 19 years, died suddenly on January 2nd. Patterson, who attended the scene of many fatal crashes on BC's Malahat, was an outspoken advocate for improved traffic safety measures on the notorious stretch...
After fatal fire Minister pledges aboriginal housing improvements
After a fire in a home on a reserve near London, Ontario killed four young children and their father, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said the federal government is determined to improve aboriginal housing. Click here to read more.
Jasper fire chief earns national award for MS awareness
Jasper's fire chief, Greg Van Tighem, has raised more than $370,000 for MS over the past decade by undertaking solo, unassisted cycling trips across North America. He recently received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal, awarded to Canadians for...
Report addresses volunteer firefighters’ health and safety issues
A new report from the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Volunteer Fire Council aims to help volunteer departments address important issues including cultural change, recruitment and retention, personal health and safety protocols. Click here to read more.
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Springfield Fire Department now using new technology to alert drivers to move over
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Enhancing Fireground Effectiveness Amid Staffing Challenges
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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