Volunteers are the backbone of Canada’s fire service

Volunteers are the backbone of Canada’s fire service

More often than not, municipalities opt to rely on volunteer fire services because they simply can’t afford to pay career firefighters. Municipalities relying on volunteer firefighters need to prioritize finding ways to make sure that there are enough bodies to fill these first responder volunteer positions.

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Kelowna Fire Department – Fire Sprinkler Demonstration

Kelowna Fire Department – Fire Sprinkler Demonstration

The Kelowna Fire Department sets fire to two almost identical rooms – the difference being that one is equipped with a fire sprinkler system and the other is not. The difference between the two rooms is made very clear and demonstrates the effectiveness of a fire sprinkler system.

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The C-word: firefighters push for better cancer protection

The C-word: firefighters push for better cancer protection

Last summer, the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization, declared firefighting as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it found sufficient evidence to link the job to the risk of certain cancers. It’s one of only five occupations to receive this designation.

Firefighters told CBC News they have seen a change in how seriously their peers consider this risk. But as departments implement prevention measures and try to hammer messaging home, finite budgets and resources impede them from taking all of the necessary precautionary steps.

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It is essential to create a supportive, inclusive and trusting work environments

It is essential to create a supportive, inclusive and trusting work environments

The high-stress environment in which we work can lead to feelings of danger and uncertainty – feelings that can have a significant impact on our mental health. And if firefighters do not feel supported by their team, supervisors and peers, they may be less likely to speak up about their concerns or ask for help, which can lead to further stress and result in dangerous or disastrous outcomes.

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