Most Canadian homeowners not protected from carbon monoxide
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs says most Canadian homeowners don’t have to have CO detectors in their homes. Only homes built in 2010 or later require the lifesaving devices.
Newspaper’s project highlights connections between poverty and fire
The Hamilton Spectator’s Code Red Project has highlighted the connections between socioeconomic factors and fires. Fires in Hamilton happen more frequently and are more likely to be deadly in the poorest parts of the city.
Radical change to Canadian approach to interface fires needed
The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction has released its final report on the Fort McMurray wildfire. The report, written by Alan Westhaver, concludes the Canadian approach to wildland/urban interface fires “requires a radical sweeping strategic shift that brings primary focus onto the root of the problem.”
Ford recalls vehicles for fire risk, door latch problems
Ford is recalling more than 570,000 vehicles with 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines because problems with coolant circulation could lead to engine fires. So far 29 fires have been reported in the U.S. and Canada. A separate problem can cause door locks to malfunction.
State of the art Six Nations facility training Ontario firefighters
Six Nations Fire Department is training firefighters from all over Ontario in a new 50,000 square foot facility that includes an open concept classroom and interior training house. The department is seeking private career college designation.
BC firefighters trying to help wounded Kandahar fire chief
The Langford BC Fire Department is looking for connections to help Chief Ghulam Hazrat, who was seriously wounded in a 2011 suicide bombing in Kandahar and requires further treatment to save his life. Hazrat took part in training in Langford in 2008.
Fire separation of waste materials
The Waste Industry Safety & Health (WISH) Forum has pubished updated guidance on waste stack separation distances. The revised guidance takes into account the findings of “waste burn trials” carried out in 2015 and 2016.
BC changes building code to require balcony fire sprinklers
The Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC is applauding the provincial government’s decision to require fire sprinklers to be installed on balconies of all new four-storey woodframe residential buildings. The new regulation takes effect July 20, 2017.
March in fire history – the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, in New York City on March 25, 1911, was the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of the city and one of the deadliest in the U.S. One hundred and forty-six garment workers died from the fire, from smoke inhalation, or by jumping or falling to their deaths. The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards.
No one wants to be chief of Montreal fire department
Montreal Fire Department has been without a chief since September of last year. In the last year the department has also lost both deputy chiefs, an assistant director and about twelve division and batallion chiefs. Labour strife, budget cuts and impending retirements add to the challenges that will be faced by the new chief.