FireSmart grants help protect communities from risk of fire
Fifteen Alberta communities have been awarded FireSmart grants to help reduce the risk of wildfires and protect lives and property.
Quebec prosecutor won’t lay charges in L’Isle Verte fire
Victim’s family members say they are disappointed no criminal charges will be laid in connection with the fire that tore through a seniors’ residence in L’Isle Verte, Quebec, nearly two years ago, killing 32 people trapped inside.
Firefighters, management, continue safety standoff
As the standoff continues between the Sault Ste. Marie Firefighters Association and the fire chief, city councillors are urging the two parties to discuss their differences and reach a compromise.
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Here’s why some hoverboards are catching fire
The reason some hoverboards are catching fire is the re-chargeable lithium-ion batteries in the foot rests of the rolling electric scooters.
Brooklyn prosecutors revisit 3 convictions in fatal 1980 fire
Prosecutors plan to ask a judge in State Supreme Court in Brooklyn to throw out the convictions of three men who spent decades in prison for arson and murder in a case in which modern fire science now says there is no evidence that arson actually occurred.
This month in fire history
Sunday, December 6th was the 98th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, which left roughly half the city’s population, 25,000 people, dead, injured or homeless. A cannon blast from Citadel Hill marked the exact time of the explosion at 9:04 a.m.
NIOSH research pinpoints need for firefighters’ PPE, apparatus changes
A new database developed by NIOSH shows that PPE fit can compromise performance and firefighters in turnout gear do not fit well in today’s fire apparatus.
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New Airbus water bomber to fight wildfires thanks to B.C. company
A forestry and aviation company based in Port Alberni, B.C. has signed an agreement with Airbus to help turn a workhorse transport plane into a water bomber. The Coulson Group of Canada has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Airbus Defense and Space to work on the water bomber version of the Airbus C295W transport aircraft.
Face transplant gives scalp to burned volunteer firefighter
A volunteer firefighter badly burned in a 2001 blaze has received the most extensive face transplant ever, covering his skull and much of his neck. The surgery has paved the way for him to regain normal vision, and in an interview he said that will allow him to accomplish a major goal: “I’ll start driving again.”
Fire truck alert app being piloted in Michigan
Cory Hohs’ idea was inspired by a close call with a Chicago fire truck on his motorcycle, but his new app, which alerts drivers to the presence of emergency vehicle traffic, is being tested first in Grand Rapids.