Hamilton considers free inspections for tenants, anonymous tip line
Hamilton city staff will report on 25 recommendations, including free inspections for tenants and an anonymous line, from a landlord group opposed to licencing.
Washington State lawmakers propose banning toxic firefighting foams
Washington State lawmakers want to ban perfluorinated chemicals in firefighting foam to protect ground water and the health of firefighters.
Canadian company develops eco-friendly, gel-based fire retardant
Ontario coroner’s panel to look at 58 indigenous fire deaths
An Ontario coroner’s panel will be looking into nearly 60 indigenous fire deaths in that province in the last decade. The panel will include coroners, forensic pathologists, fire investigators and members of Ontario’s indigenous communities.
Vancouver fire hall to be first in Canada built to Passive House standards
The replacement for an ageing South Vancouver fire hall will be the first in Canada built to Passive House standards. The project is partially funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund and will also serve as a city-wide post-disaster emergency hub.
Ultra high pressure water gun can cut through concrete
Illinois man’s arson conviction overturned after 22 years
Due to the work of the Illinois Innocence Project and advances in fire science and arson investigations an Illinois man has had his arson conviction overturned. Bill Amor spent 22 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted.
February in fire history – the 1916 Parliament Hill fire
On February 2, 1916 a fire that began in the Reading Room of the House of Commons destroyed everything except the Library of Parliament. Seven people died in the fire.
Ionization vs. photoelectric smoke alarms – debate continues
After a three year study Fire and Rescue New South Wales found it is the number, location and interconnection of smoke alarms that gives the best possible warning of a fire. The research has been challenged by independent fire experts.
California mudslides “predicted and predictable”
Last month’s deadly mudslides in California were terrifying but, according to Adam Rogers of Wired magazine, predictable and predicted.