NIST Developing ‘Richter Scale’ for Fires
Researchers have been working on a system to measure and predict the destructiveness of wildfires - similar to the way officials use the magnitude scale for earthquakes. In the 1970s, wildfires destroyed about 400 homes across the US. Since 2000, wildfires have...
Sometimes it’s Better and Safer to Back Away from a Fire
Dude fire (1990) - six firefighters die. Esperanza fire (2006) - five Forest Service firefighters die. Yarnell Hill (2013) - 19 firefighters die. For what? “It is OK to retreat from danger until conditions become more favourable for safe and successful...
Winnipeg Councillors Suspicious of Fire Chief’s Dismissal
The Winnipeg fire chief, who was named chief two years ago, had been embroiled in controversy over an unusual land swap and sale of fire halls. His dismissal comes shortly before the anticipated release of a detailed audit report on the land swap deal. ...
British Firefighters Strike Over Changes to Pensions
Government imposed changes to British firefighter pensions have the union fighting back. Although the mandatory retirement age is 60 firefighters have to wait until 65 to receive full pension....
Career Fire Captain Dies When Struck by a Pickup Truck While Working at the Scene of Two Traffic Incidents – NIOSH Report
Another firefighter fatality during response to a MVI. Do you have the right training and Operational Guidelines to avoid a similar tragedy? The NIOSH report on the incident is a must-read for fire departments everywhere....
North Bay Fire dept. staffing under review due to FUS
North Bay Council has called for more study in response to a fire underwriter’s survey that suggests it would take an $8-million capital investment, including the construction of another reservoir to store more water, as well as the hiring of more fire fighters and...
Three Toronto firefighters fired over inappropriate tweets
The termination of three Toronto firefighters Monday over comments made on social media has sparked anger from their union, which insists the firings do nothing to promote a culture of respect in the city's firehalls....
London Fire Brigade to axe 550 jobs and close 10 stations
The London Fire Brigade, which employs approximately 7,000 staff, 5,800 of whom are operational firefighters and officers operating from 112 fire stations, prepares to axe 550 jobs and close 10 stations. ...
Dehumidifiers recalled as potential fire hazard
Dehumidifiers produced by a number of different manufacturers have been recalled as potential fire hazards. There have been 165 incidents, including 46 fires and $2.15 million in property damage. No injuries have been reported....
New portable fire extinguisher training technology
This portable fire extinguisher training system, which utilizes propane gas, is much safer and more environmentally friendly than past methods. A trainer can control the intensity of the flames and utilize the emergency stop switch on a handheld controller at any time.
Remotely-piloted aircraft help battle California’s third largest fire
In a control room on the ground, the pilot and sensor operator can control the flight of the MQ-1 and operate its cameras to send important images and video of the Yosemite fire to CAL FIRE and Air National Guard command posts on the ground....
Modern homes burn eight times faster than 50 years ago
Even 30 years ago, a person had up to an estimated eight minutes to exit their home from the time their smoke detector went off. Today, a person has less than two minutes. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/modern-homes-burn-8-times-faster-than-50-years-ago-1.1700063
Rooftop solar panels pose dangers?
Ontario firefighters say rooftop solar panels pose dangers. Manufacturers disagree. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/rooftop-solar-panels-pose-dangers-ontario-firefighters-say-1.1700070
Heat Stress
NIOSH Report says employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
B.C.’s fire-reduction strategy misses mark
Researchers have found that the actual costs associated with a wildfire, such as home and business losses and damage to natural resources, can range from two to 60 times the suppression cost....
Saskatoon arsonist caught on tape
A bold arsonist drives up, pours a flammable liquid, ignites the fire and drives off - all caught on camera. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2013/08/27/saskatoon-arson-video-130827.html
A Fire Prevention First—Fire Avert combats the #1 Cause of Home Fires
The Fire Avert shows great potential for kitchen fire prevention. It works in conjunction with any working smoke detector, regardless of brand. When the smoke detector beeps and if your stove is on, Fire Avert turns it off until the owner can address the situation....
Detroit investigates just 20% of suspicious fires, underreports arson
In Detroit the number of arson investigators who determine the cause of suspicious fires has dropped by nearly 60% since 2009. The arson unit is so understaffed that it only investigates one out of every five suspicious fires....
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