Many fire departments are doing fewer live‑fire training sessions, and that’s costing firefighters more than just experience. It can affect confidence, decision‑making and safety when the real thing happens. The article explores why hands‑on training is slipping and how departments are trying to bring it back. Read more to see why live burns still matter in preparing today’s crews.
Firefighters’ protective gear can break down over time from UV exposure, even if it looks okay on the outside, and that can weaken the very protection crews depend on in a fire. Proper care and inspection can help extend the life of PPE and keep responders safer on the job. Read more to learn how UV damage happens and what you can do about it.
Fireground radios are critical, but common reasons they fail when crews need them most include interference, poor battery life, antenna issues, and outdated equipment. Understanding these weak spots can help departments improve communication and safety on the fireground. Read more to learn the five top reasons radios break down and how to avoid them.
Fire chiefs in B.C. are sounding the alarm as FireSmart funding runs low and competition for grants tightens, threatening year‑round wildfire prevention work that helps protect homes and forests from dangerous blazes. Communities that rely on these proactive programs fear they’ll have to cut services just as wildfire risk grows. Read more to find out why chiefs say early prevention could save lives and money down the road.
https://vicnews.com/2026/02/07/firesmart-funding-running-dry-has-b-c-fire-chiefs-worried/
Rolesville Announces Hiring of Fire Chief Veteran Fire Leader Jason Deitch –
https://www.wakeweekly.com/news/rolesville-announces-hiring-of-fire-chief-4150706e/
Richmond Hill Names Tom Raeburn as Next Fire Chief –
https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/richmond-hill-names-tom-raeburn-as-next-fire-chief-11549760
Johnson City Fire Department Appoints Steve Alexander as Fire Marshal –
Trailblazing Firefighter Arlene Wehr Retires After 30 Years Of Service –
https://capeargus.co.za/news/2025-12-14-trailblazing-firefighter-arlene-wehr-retires-after-30-years-of-service/
The Port Coquitlam Fire Department is launching a first‑of‑its‑kind support dog program to help firefighters, staff and even residents cope with stress and traumatic calls using a specially trained canine. The dog will offer comfort after tough incidents, during emergency operations and throughout station life. Read more to see how this innovative wellness initiative could make a difference on and off the front lines.
Phoenix has rolled out an AI‑powered system to handle non‑emergency 911 calls, greeting callers and guiding them through prompts so human dispatchers can focus on life‑threatening emergencies. The tool aims to cut wait times, ease staff stress, and free up resources for urgent situations. Read more to see how this new tech could change the way emergencies are prioritized.