UBC develops new wildfire early warning system
University of British Columbia researchers have developed an early warning system that tracks greening vegetation to predict the risk of human-caused wildfires with ten day accuracy.
San Francisco to ban sale of furniture containing flame retardants
Following the lead of Maine, San Francisco will ban the sale of upholstered furniture containing flame retardants. Flame retardants are linked to cancer and birth defects.
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Did water speed up spread of flames in Grenfell Tower fire?
Professor Laurence Harwood from the University of Reading believes a violent chemical reaction between water in Grenfell Tower’s insulating foam and its aluminum cladding may explain why the fire spread so quickly.
100 portraits in 100 days to raise awareness of job fatigue
New award recognizes B.C. wildfire/flood volunteers, first responders
The Province of B.C. has created “Above and Beyond” awards to recognize people who stepped up to help their communities during the spring floods and summer wildfires of 2017. Nominations can be made online or by mail and everyone who is nominated will receive a certificate of distinction.
Toronto tenants will have access to fire inspections by year-end
By the end of 2017 Toronto high-rise tenants will be able to see the results of fire code inspections of their buildings without having to file a Freedom of Information request.
October in fire history – the Chicago fire
The Great Chicago Fire burned from Sunday, October 8 to Tuesday, October 10, 1871. The fire killed up to 300 people, destroyed roughly 9 square kilometers of the city and left 100,000 residents homeless.
Reductions to fire service may have hampered rescue efforts at Grenfell Tower
Members of the first fire crews to attend the Grenfell Tower fire have concerns about the length of time it took to send backup engines. The head of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, said the delay may have been worsened by closures of local fire stations. Wrack believes cuts to firefighter numbers and fire safety deregulation should be a key part of the public inquiry into the disaster.
Deep River, ON struggles to redesign emergency services
The town of Deep River, Ontario, population 4,000, simply can’t afford to operate a fire department with nine full-time firefighters, says the Mayor. As the small town struggles to redesign its emergency services the Fire Chief has resigned and residents have criticized city hall and the fire department for how the issue has been handled.
Review cites need for research on wildfire, chemical interactions
A recently published review by UC Davis graduate students found research on the health impacts of wildfire smoke where fire-suppression chemicals and pesticides are used is lacking.