New PFAS annihilator destroys firefighting foam
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency visited Franklin County for its second AFFF takeback program, part of a statewide effort to eliminate aqueous film-forming foam.
Does Alberta have a wildland firefighter ‘retention problem?’
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees claims Alberta’s wildfire force is understaffed and undertrained due to recruitment and retention issues. High turnover drives firefighters to leave for better-paying, more stable jobs in B.C. or with Parks Canada.
Fort McMurray fire moved more quickly than expected, official says
Gavin Hojka, an Alberta wildfire incident commander, said firefighters were surprised by the speed of this year’s fire near Fort McMurray, which burned through the path of the 2016 blaze. Despite reduced fuel, the extended drought intensified the fire, known as MWF-017, making it more aggressive than expected.
Flame retardants in car seat foam may expose Americans to carcinogens, study suggests
A new study suggests that flame retardants in car seat foam may increase exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals, especially during the summer. Researchers are urging government officials to amend regulations to prohibit the use of flame retardants in cars, citing health risks and growing scrutiny over their safety and effectiveness.
Can Canada fight wildfires at night? What to know
As Canada’s wildfire season begins, firefighters hope for favourable weather to aid their efforts. However, some Canadian provinces are exploring a different strategy: nighttime firefighting.
Washington state mother and daughter duo show the importance of mentorship in the fire service
Debbie Powers, a seasoned firefighter with decades of experience, vividly recalls when her daughter, Jenna Norwood, expressed her desire to follow in her mother’s footsteps in her early twenties.
NASA and FAA Partner to Develop New Wildfire Technologies
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across the United States present a critical challenge for emergency responders. NASA and the FAA are actively addressing this threat.
British Columbia wildfires generate record emissions for May
Wildfire emissions in British Columbia, Canada, have reached their highest levels for any May on record.
Firefighters in three cities begin to transition to PFAS-free gear
San Francisco is phasing out firefighter gear containing PFAS. The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an ordinance requiring all personal protective equipment to be PFAS-free by June 30, 2026.
How the deadly heat dome changed firefighters’ jobs in one B.C. city
Firefighters in New Westminster, B.C., with the highest death rate during the 2021 heat dome, can now provide more medical interventions during emergencies.
The City announced that fire department members are now “emergency medical responders,” enabling them to assess more vital signs and administer additional medications and treatments.