Visor lets firefighters see through the smoke
When you’re fighting fires, you want as many weapons as possible at your disposal. Now, augmented reality glasses are helping firefighters navigate extreme working conditions.
Homeowner watches Ft. McMurray home burn on security cam
When thousands fled the flames in Fort McMurray and were wondering if they would ever see their homes again, James O’Reilly wasn’t one of them. He knew for sure he had lost his home of almost 20 years after watching it burn to the ground on his iPhone. The original five minute video has been sped up.
May in fire history – Hindenburg zeppelin fire
It was the largest airship ever built; over eight hundred feet long from its nose to its massive tail fins. It was the height of luxury travel. It was called the Hindenburg and in the space of 37 seconds it was destroyed in a fire that killed a third of its crew and passengers and left spectators crying in horror.
Coroner issues 33 recommendations after inquest
Ontario’s coroner called for stricter fire inspection rules and a system that would “red flag” any property that has a history of violating fire codes following the inquest into two deadly house fires.
Pine beetle infestations reduce wildfire severity, study suggests
A study that examined more than 80 fires over the last 25 years in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. concluded that pine beetle and western spruce budworm infestations did not increase the severity of wildfires, but actually decreased the intensity.
Birdhouse alarm created to prevent wildfires
While there are many ways to prevent forest fires, creators in Spain have a new tool – the Birdhouse alarm. The alarm uses a smoke detector, capable of identifying smoke within 20 metres. A geo-located message is then sent through a 3G connection to the local fire department. The alarm is made of recycled material and fit with a rechargeable battery and solar panel.
Seniors’ home to be stripped of certification over safety concerns
Dozens of seniors in Laval will be transferred to a new nursing home because the Quebec government and firefighting officials are worried for their safety. Manoir Chomedey will be stripped of its certification of compliance because the building’s fire safety standards are not up to date.
Mountaintop cameras could detect wildfires earlier
B.C.could better battle wildfires if it installed early detection cameras on top of its mountains like California has done, argues an American researcher. The AlertSoCal project is being piloted in Southern California, where 65 high-resolution cameras have been installed on top of 16 different mountain tops to help with ealy detection of wildires.
Fire in the sky illegal
While those lights you see in the night sky might not be of the extraterrestrial variety, they could still pose a serious threat to those back on Earth. Sky lanterns, a cheap airborne candle that can float up to two kilometres in the sky, can be found at many dollar stores. However, they are actually illegal in some municipalities in British Columbia.
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Ottawa, railway not taking safety seriously?
Transport Canada and an American firm operating the rail line that hugs the heavily populated coastline in Surrey and White Rock aren’t taking public safety concerns seriously, a House of Commons committee has been told. The alarming message was delivered by Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis, who alleged that BNSF Railway appears to be violating Transport Canada rules.