Controlling Fires in Space (NASA, International Space Station)
Watch this four minute video on research into fires in space that may lead to a better understanding of the chemistry of fire and technological advances here on earth.
Fire-fighting robot could change the game for fire departments
A research team at Purdue University is developing a fire-fighting robot some say will change the way fire departments perform internal attacks. A spokesperson said, “You can put the robot in places where you would never dream of putting a human being”. For more information watch the video.
Firefighters Without Borders donate equipment
Since 2008 the B.C.-based Firefighters Without Borders Canada charity has donated 13 fire trucks, more than 1,000 sets of turnout gear, over 400 SCBAs, and other gear totalling 20-plus tons of equipment valued at more than $2 million. Recipients have been located in Belize, Philippines, The Congo, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Thailand.
What should happen when mutual aid becomes standard response
When a fire department is woefully under-staffed should taxpayers elsewhere bear the burden of this deficiency — and have their firefighters put at risk?
Fire alarm testing pokers ‘are gimmicky waste of money’
The fire service should be spending money on life saving equipment and not gimmicks is the opinion of readers who have reacted to this story about plastic sticks for homeowners to press buttons on their smoke alarms.
Surrey smokes competition at fire awards
The City of Surrey received a 2013 Community Health and Safety Program Excellence Award from the International City/County Management Association for its approach to fire prevention through a targeted smoke alarm giveaway program. The program sends firefighters door-to-door and has cut fire losses in half, increased smoke alarm activations and reduced fire size and spread.
NFPA report, “US Firefighter Deaths in 2012 Second Lowest in 35 Years”
Good news from the NFPA. On-duty firefighter deaths in 2012were the second lowest in 35 years and the number of sudden cardiac arrests was the lowest on record.
Chrysler recalls 2.7 million Jeeps due to potential fire risk
Chrysler Corp. recalls 2.7 million older model Jeeps over fuel tanks that can rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions. The recall affects approximately 180,000 vehicles in Canada.
B.C. man appeals $860,000 fine for starting wildfire while camping
The BC Wildfire Act allows the province to recover wildfire suppression costs from people deemed responsible for causing the fire. Ability to pay is not a factor.
Million dollar house fire sparks concern about old insulation
Fire officials have not confirmed the exact cause but say the home had 40 year old cellulose insulation in the attic. Cellulose resembles finely shredded newspaper with a fire resistant spray on it. This article says that the spray wears off leaving an extremely flammable material.