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.
Montreal’s Metro operators use simulator to learn how to deal with fires
In a sealed-off tunnel in an undisclosed location in Montreal Metro operators and fire personnel use simulations to learn how to deal with fire emergencies in the subway network. The simulator uses a real Metro train.
- here to learn more.
Halifax seniors’ building to get fire-rated cladding
The Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority, after an investigation by a fire safety expert, has decided to replace the cladding on a 16 story seniors’ residence in Halifax. The cladding was found to be the same type used on Grenfell Towers in London.
Court orders blood sample after man vomits on firefighter
B.C.’s Intervention Disclosure Act has been used for the first time to order a blood sample from a person who vomited on a Nanaimo firefighter, then left the hospital before being treated.
- here to read more.