Residential fire sprinklers are the only proactive form of fire protection
While smoke detectors are key in alerting occupants of fire, they are also a reactive form of fire protection, and can only save those who are able to react. Fire sprinklers, on the other hand are proactive, providing firefighters the time they need to...
Fire departments give mixed reviews on self-inspection programs
Some fire departments that employ business owner self-inspection programs have found that many were not as compliant as they said they were. http://www.cleveland.com/bay-village/index.ssf/2013/03/self-inspection_efforts_get_mi.html
Fire prevention grants may be available from FM Global
FM Global Insurance has a grant program available to fire departments and other groups for funding in support of fire and arson prevention, pre-fire planning and education and training programs. http://www.fmglobal.com/page.aspx?id=01060200
More Texas arson convictions challenged over fire science
Authorities in Texas and other states are beginning to re-examine old cases where defendants were sent to prison for setting fires based on expert testimony about burn patterns and charring that today is considered suspect. Nine years ago Texas executed Cameron...
Spontaneous human combustion?
This story says there have been about 200 cases worldwide of spontaneous human combustion. All the research is done on the subject, however, it suggests that there is no such thing and it is simply body fat burning which was usually ignited by an ignition source such...
Over 4000 cars recalled for electrical problem that could result in a fire
Wire harnesses on 2013 model Challengers equipped with V6 engines could overheat from a short circuit and cause a fire. Chrysler is telling customers to stop driving their cars and not to park them "in or near any structures." Chrysler said it was aware of seven...
Fire department management overstates number of available response units
At least four aerials and six engines were incorrectly listed in a spreadsheet fire officials provided to D.C. Council’s public safety committee. The firefighters union uncovered the discrepancies by checking serial numbers and conducting a station-by-station...
Town council votes to consolidate fire district
Consolidation, amalgamation and/or reduction of fire services are increasing trends. In this case two departments are seeking to consolidate into one fire district to increase the number of volunteer firefighters, share equipment and merge services. ...
Agencies share information to protect the elderly from fire
Community Care workers who are aware of vulnerable residents who are hearing impaired or mobility challenged will share that information with the fire service to ensure the best possible response. ...
How earthquakes can impact fire safety in buildings
Damage to building structural elements, elevators, stairs, and fire protection systems caused by the shaking from a major earthquake can play a critical role in the spread of fire and hamper the ability of occupants to evacuate. These are among the conclusions...
Basing Fire and EMS staffing on statistical demand for service?
One proposal calls for dramatic changes to work schedules such that they concentrate more paramedic shifts during peak times. The union that represents the paramedics agrees with the fire chief that the issue is not, as the firefighters union argues,...
Boeing Dreamliner battery fire report released
A detailed description of a battery fire on board a Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Boston’s Logan Airport has been released by a US regulator but no cause has been specified. All fifty Dreamliners in operation have been grounded....
A wine to support fallen firefighters
Every bottle sold of the new Tribute Wine from Distant Cellars, a family-owned winery in Fiddletown, California, will support the work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Let’s drink to that. http://firenews.com/
Arson suspect acquitted by jury in federal court but may still face punishment
A US federal jury acquitted a man charged with arranging to start a fire that destroyed a pizza restaurant, but he may still be punished for that crime through something called "acquitted-conduct sentencing."...
A creative way to attract volunteers and promote fire safety
The Skokie, Illlinois fire department invites residents to attend a Citizens' Fire Academy. The eleven week program takes place for three hours each Tuesday evening....
City hopes to see savings through composite fire department staffing model
Fire departments could save 35 per cent and maintain current response times by switching to composite fire departments according to a study by Adam Found a University of Toronto economics PhD candidate. Fund’s study, entitled “Economies of Scale in Fire and...
The Station Street nightclub fire 10 years later
Four people who wrote books about the Station Street Nightclub fire that killed 100 and injured 200 people are interviewed in this powerful article. John Barylick, author and an attorney, who represented fire victims in what would become a $176 million...
Smart gloves may help firefighters in the future
A University of Minnesota assistant professor, Lucy Dunne, is working to come up with a way firefighters can find their way around a smoke-filled environment without having to touch anything with their gloves. Dunne put a sensor in a standard-issue firefighter glove,...
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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