A new piece of Evidence Based Predictive Modelling computer software will help the Kelowna Fire Department evaluate existing day-to-day operations and determine the best use of staff deployment. The software can be used to support initiatives such as location, construction and staffing of new fire halls or whether a new hall is even necessary.
http://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/106502/Fire-Dept-spends-165K-on-smart-tech
Firefighter Patrick Jackson has developed an app for Google Glass, Google’s experimental head-mounted computer, which feeds important information directly to the eye-line of firefighters in an emergency.
State and local officials want to say thank you to neighborhood firefighters. Monday January 27th is Fire Service Appreciation Day, established by the Oregon legislature in 2007 to recognize local and state efforts to keep the public safe in their homes and outdoors.
http://www.kajo.com/news/local/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1390631198&ucat=2
Since the Dublin fire department purchased new breathing equipment there have been a total of six unexplained occurrences while firefighters were wearing the sets. The face mask collapses in on the firefighter leaving them without an oxygen supply.
A pigeon dropping a discarded cigarette down a chimney and a dog turning on a toaster were among some of the most bizarre causes of fires in 2013.
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/and-finally/bizarre-causes-of-fires-revealed-29868711.html
A fiery oil train derailment’s near-miss of a small North Dakota town had its mayor angrily calling for federal officials to do more to guarantee the safety of the growing shipment of oil by rail. Can Canada be far behind?
Following a string of explosive accidents, U.S. officials say crude oil being shipped by rail from the northern plains across the U.S. and Canada may be more flammable than traditional forms of oil.
Residents or businesses can “adopt” a hydrant to help assure that it is accessible by clearing snow on all sides of the hydrant. By adopting a hydrant, participants will be helping to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours.
http://stamford.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/stamford-fire-department-starts-adopt-hydrant-program
Kitchen ‘appliance garages’, which have pull-down doors to hide toasters, kettles and other small appliances, were the cause of two recent house fires, according to the New Zealand Fire Service. If the appliances are not pushed well into the cupboard the door can be accidentally lowered onto on/off switches.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11183170
A military rescue technician who was lowered from a helicopter to save a crane operator stranded above a massive fire in Kingston, Ont., credits daily training for the success of an “extremely unusual rescue.”