Forecasters predict hot dry conditions in western Canada this summer
The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System is predicting hot, dry weather across a large swath of Western Canada for the summer of 2018.
Tom Cartwright named Ontario fire chief of the year
Tom Cartwright of Port Colborne, Ontario has been named Ontario Fire Chief of the Year. Since a tragic multiple death fire in 2016 Chief Colborne has been an advocate for the need for fire departments to take a more proactive approach to fire safety and prevention.
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Review of BC’s 2017 wildfires calls for overhaul of disaster response practices
The results of an independent review of British Columbia’s response to 2017’s wildfires and floods have been published. The report, entitled “Addressing the New Normal: 21st Century Disaster Management in B.C.” highlights the gap between spending on response versus mitigating the potential impact of disasters.
Cities struggle to establish battery safety standards
Cities are struggling to establish safety standards for lithium-ion batteries even as their uses continue to expand. City planners are concerned about power storage units in basements and on rooftops.
Ontario fire chief fights forced retirement
The former fire chief of Renfrew, Ontario has vowed to fight what he considers to be an illegal termination of his employment. Guy Longtin was terminated when his position was included in a mandatory retirement policy for firefighters.
Saskatchewan will use sprayer planes to help fight wildfires
May in fire history – the Slave Lake wildfire
From May 14 to 16, 2011 a huge wildfire pushed by 100 km per hour winds burned through the town of Slave Lake, Alberta forcing the complete evacuation of the town and surrounding area and causing roughly $750 million in insurable damage.
New Vancouver firehall shares space with supportive housing
2017 BC wildfires triggered monster thunderstorm
On August 12, 2017 the heat from four wildfires in British Columbia triggered monstrous thunderstorms comparable to a volcanic eruption.
FD Instructors’ Conference gets first look at virtual reality training
Attendees at this year’s Fire Department Instructors’ Conference in Indianopolis will get their first look at a virtual reality firefighter training system.