The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction has released its final report on the Fort McMurray wildfire. The report, written by Alan Westhaver, concludes the Canadian approach to wildland/urban interface fires “requires a radical sweeping strategic shift that brings primary focus onto the root of the problem.”
Ford is recalling more than 570,000 vehicles with 1.6 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines because problems with coolant circulation could lead to engine fires. So far 29 fires have been reported in the U.S. and Canada. A separate problem can cause door locks to malfunction.
Six Nations Fire Department is training firefighters from all over Ontario in a new 50,000 square foot facility that includes an open concept classroom and interior training house. The department is seeking private career college designation.
The Langford BC Fire Department is looking for connections to help Chief Ghulam Hazrat, who was seriously wounded in a 2011 suicide bombing in Kandahar and requires further treatment to save his life. Hazrat took part in training in Langford in 2008.
The Waste Industry Safety & Health (WISH) Forum has pubished updated guidance on waste stack separation distances. The revised guidance takes into account the findings of “waste burn trials” carried out in 2015 and 2016.
The Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC is applauding the provincial government’s decision to require fire sprinklers to be installed on balconies of all new four-storey woodframe residential buildings. The new regulation takes effect July 20, 2017.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, in New York City on March 25, 1911, was the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of the city and one of the deadliest in the U.S. One hundred and forty-six garment workers died from the fire, from smoke inhalation, or by jumping or falling to their deaths. The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards.
Montreal Fire Department has been without a chief since September of last year. In the last year the department has also lost both deputy chiefs, an assistant director and about twelve division and batallion chiefs. Labour strife, budget cuts and impending retirements add to the challenges that will be faced by the new chief.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett has committed to resume tracking fire-related deaths in First Nations communities and to establishing an indigenous fire marshal’s office to oversee data collection and spearhead fire prevention. At least 173 people have died in fires on First Nations reserves since the federal government stopped tracking such deaths in 2010.
Although many First Nations have poor or non-existent fire protection services there are some success stories. The Six Nations Fire Department in Ontario and the Cree Nation independent government in Quebec have well-equipped and trained fire departments.