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.
http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/3-toronto-firefighters-fired-over-inappropriate-tweets-fire-chief-1.1457468
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 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.
http://www.castanet.net/news/Business/98423/Recalls-this-week-include-children-s-books-dehumidifiers-and-toy-sets
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.
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.
http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/techknow/blog/2013/9/15/remotely-pilotedaircraftshelpbattlecaliforniasthirdlargestfire.html
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
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
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.
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.
A bold arsonist drives up, pours a flammable liquid, ignites the fire and drives off – all caught on camera.