Fires set by firefighters a long-standing problem experts say
An arson expert based in California says firefighter arson is a recognized, ongoing problem, but it’s difficult to know exactly how common it is because authorities don’t keep records.
Too little being done to protect communities from wildfires
Yet another destructive wildfire raises questions about our failure to learn from Kelowna and Slave Lake – to take steps to guard against their fury. “This happened in Kelowna in 2003, why didn’t we all learn from that?”
Ten Ft. McMurray firefighters and what the fire took from them
At least 20 Fort McMurray firefighters – even as they helped save the homes of countless others from a wildfire that raged through their northern Alberta city – had their own hearts broken as their homes burned to the ground. The Toronto Star talked to ten of them.
Time to implement long-dormant plan for managing wildfires
In 2004, in Haines Junction, Yukon, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) identified the need for a new, strategic approach to wildland fire management, based on a risk-management framework. In 2005, at the CCFM meeting in Saskatoon, the ministers signed the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy.
Visor lets firefighters see through the smoke
When you’re fighting fires, you want as many weapons as possible at your disposal. Now, augmented reality glasses are helping firefighters navigate extreme working conditions.
Homeowner watches Ft. McMurray home burn on security cam
When thousands fled the flames in Fort McMurray and were wondering if they would ever see their homes again, James O’Reilly wasn’t one of them. He knew for sure he had lost his home of almost 20 years after watching it burn to the ground on his iPhone. The original five minute video has been sped up.
May in fire history – Hindenburg zeppelin fire
It was the largest airship ever built; over eight hundred feet long from its nose to its massive tail fins. It was the height of luxury travel. It was called the Hindenburg and in the space of 37 seconds it was destroyed in a fire that killed a third of its crew and passengers and left spectators crying in horror.
Coroner issues 33 recommendations after inquest
Ontario’s coroner called for stricter fire inspection rules and a system that would “red flag” any property that has a history of violating fire codes following the inquest into two deadly house fires.
Pine beetle infestations reduce wildfire severity, study suggests
A study that examined more than 80 fires over the last 25 years in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. concluded that pine beetle and western spruce budworm infestations did not increase the severity of wildfires, but actually decreased the intensity.
Birdhouse alarm created to prevent wildfires
While there are many ways to prevent forest fires, creators in Spain have a new tool – the Birdhouse alarm. The alarm uses a smoke detector, capable of identifying smoke within 20 metres. A geo-located message is then sent through a 3G connection to the local fire department. The alarm is made of recycled material and fit with a rechargeable battery and solar panel.