FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
Architecture student develops easy-to-build shelter for evacuees
Victoria McCartney, a master's student at Ottawa's Carleton University, has developed a modular, flat pack shelter that is easily erected and reusable. Click here to read more.
2018 NFPA Fire Code released
The NFPA Fire code NFPA 1-2018 has been released. It includes new chapters on "Marijuana Growing, Processing, or Extraction Facilities" and "Cleaning and Purging of Flammable Gas Piping Systems". Click here to read more.
First responders need to de-stigmatize mental suffering
Andy McDonald, a veteran firefighter and first responder community consultant, told attendees at Benefits Canada's 2017 Mental Health Summit that the first responder culture of silence is making it harder for that community to get help when they need it. Click here to...
Open flames highly dangerous for homeless people
When homeless people sleeping rough try to stay warm using propane, candles or other sources of ignition in makeshift shelters the results can be highly dangerous. Click here to read more.
Swift Current firefighters, RCMP rescue dog from icy stream
After Fernie tragedy rink operators scrutinizing procedures
In the aftermath of the tragic deaths of three men at the Fernie Memorial Arena rink operators across Canada are scrutinizing their safety and operating procedures. here to read more.
Is this the fire truck of the future?
November in fire history – the Cocoanut Grove fire
On November 28, 1942 a catastrophic fire at Boston's Cocoanut Grove nightclub led to reform of safety standards and codes in the U.S. and major changes in treatment of burn victims internationally. Four hundred and ninety-two people were killed and hundreds more...
Kidde recalls millions of fire extinguishers
Kidde Corporation is recalling 134 different brands of fire extinguishers because they can fail in an emergency. Click here for the list of affected Canadian models. Click here to read more.
UBC develops new wildfire early warning system
University of British Columbia researchers have developed an early warning system that tracks greening vegetation to predict the risk of human-caused wildfires with ten day accuracy. Click here to read more.
San Francisco to ban sale of furniture containing flame retardants
Following the lead of Maine, San Francisco will ban the sale of upholstered furniture containing flame retardants. Flame retardants are linked to cancer and birth defects. Click here to read more.
Did water speed up spread of flames in Grenfell Tower fire?
Professor Laurence Harwood from the University of Reading believes a violent chemical reaction between water in Grenfell Tower's insulating foam and its aluminum cladding may explain why the fire spread so quickly. Click here to read more.
100 portraits in 100 days to raise awareness of job fatigue
New award recognizes B.C. wildfire/flood volunteers, first responders
The Province of B.C. has created "Above and Beyond" awards to recognize people who stepped up to help their communities during the spring floods and summer wildfires of 2017. Nominations can be made online or by mail and everyone who is nominated will receive a...
Toronto tenants will have access to fire inspections by year-end
By the end of 2017 Toronto high-rise tenants will be able to see the results of fire code inspections of their buildings without having to file a Freedom of Information request.
October in fire history – the Chicago fire
The Great Chicago Fire burned from Sunday, October 8 to Tuesday, October 10, 1871. The fire killed up to 300 people, destroyed roughly 9 square kilometers of the city and left 100,000 residents homeless. Click here to read more.
Reductions to fire service may have hampered rescue efforts at Grenfell Tower
Members of the first fire crews to attend the Grenfell Tower fire have concerns about the length of time it took to send backup engines. The head of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, said the delay may have been worsened by closures of local fire stations. Wrack...
Deep River, ON struggles to redesign emergency services
The town of Deep River, Ontario, population 4,000, simply can't afford to operate a fire department with nine full-time firefighters, says the Mayor. As the small town struggles to redesign its emergency services the Fire Chief has resigned and residents have...
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