Researchers have been working on a system to measure and predict the destructiveness of wildfires – similar to the way officials use the magnitude scale for earthquakes. In the 1970s, wildfires destroyed about 400 homes across the US. Since 2000, wildfires have destroyed about 3000 homes per year, according to NIST.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/us-developing-richter-scale-for-fires/story-fni0xqll-1226726456432
Dude fire (1990) – six firefighters die. Esperanza fire (2006) – five Forest Service firefighters die. Yarnell Hill (2013) – 19 firefighters die. For what? “It is OK to retreat from danger until conditions become more favourable for safe and successful fire-suppression efforts.”
The Winnipeg fire chief, who was named chief two years ago, had been embroiled in controversy over an unusual land swap and sale of fire halls. His dismissal comes shortly before the anticipated release of a detailed audit report on the land swap deal.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-councillors-suspicious-of-fire-chiefs-dismissal-1.1868187
Government imposed changes to British firefighter pensions have the union fighting back. Although the mandatory retirement age is 60 firefighters have to wait until 65 to receive full pension.
http://fullfact.org/factchecks/how_generous_firefighters_pensions_scheme_26000-29202
Another firefighter fatality during response to a MVI. Do you have the right training and Operational Guidelines to avoid a similar tragedy? The NIOSH report on the incident is a must-read for fire departments everywhere.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face201207.html
North Bay Council has called for more study in response to a fire underwriter’s survey that suggests it would take an $8-million capital investment, including the construction of another reservoir to store more water, as well as the hiring of more fire fighters and prevention officers to maintain current insurance grades.
The termination of three Toronto firefighters Monday over comments made on social media has sparked anger from their union, which insists the firings do nothing to promote a culture of respect in the city’s firehalls.
http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/3-toronto-firefighters-fired-over-inappropriate-tweets-fire-chief-1.1457468
The London Fire Brigade, which employs approximately 7,000 staff, 5,800 of whom are operational firefighters and officers operating from 112 fire stations, prepares to axe 550 jobs and close 10 stations.
Dehumidifiers produced by a number of different manufacturers have been recalled as potential fire hazards. There have been 165 incidents, including 46 fires and $2.15 million in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
http://www.castanet.net/news/Business/98423/Recalls-this-week-include-children-s-books-dehumidifiers-and-toy-sets
This portable fire extinguisher training system, which utilizes propane gas, is much safer and more environmentally friendly than past methods. A trainer can control the intensity of the flames and utilize the emergency stop switch on a handheld controller at any time.