Workouts pay off for firefighters
Firefighters from Nevada say their workouts taught them, “it’s OK to be uncomfortable and that translates very well to working long, hard hours.”
Rubberneckers make first responders’ jobs more dangerous
First Nation needs to build forest fire fighting capacity
The Tsilqhot’in First Nation has released a review of the 2017 wildfire season. The review makes 33 recommendations for improvements in training, infrastructure and funding.
BC regulations allow logging debris to be left on the ground for years
Current rules allow forestry companies up to 30 months to clean up debris left by logging and, even after cleanup, to leave large amounts of debris on the ground.
Female firefighters’ health needs often neglected
Seventy-five percent of female firefighters in the US and Canada said they don’t have access to female-specific personal protective equipment.
Change in BCEHS response policy has firefighters concerned
BC Emergency Health Services has implemented a new dispatch model that firefighters say is endangering the public.
BC wildfire fighters to get occupational disease coverage
Under legislation introduced in the BC legislature cancer, heart disease and mental health disorder presumptions will be expanded to include wildfire fighters, investigators and fire crews working for indigenous groups.
Michigan fire chiefs want rules for disposal of firefighting foam
As fire-fighting foams containing PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer, immune system dysfunction and issues with child development Michigan fire chiefs are seeking a protocol for disposal of the foams.
Fatal fire raises concerns about thousands of other buildings
A fatal fire in Esquimalt, BC has raised concerns about thousands of similar buildings – three and four storey walk-ups without sprinklers. These buildings didn’t require sprinklers when they were built and were grandfathered under the old building code.
Robson FD named fire department of the year by MD Canada
Robson Fire Department, which recently held its sixth annual Boot Drive to raise funds for muscular dystrophy, has been named “Fire Department of the Year” by Muscular Dystrophy Canada.