The new Chief of San Diego Robert Logan II
The new Chief of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has been announced as RobertLoganII
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue gets Spherical Robots
NASA-funded technology is now being utilized by Southern Manatee Fire Rescue’s hazmat team in Manatee County. Southern Manatee Fire Rescue employs robots originally designed for planet exploration to enhance firefighter safety. These robots, equipped with multi-gas sensors, can be deployed remotely via drones or manually, transmitting data back to the command center through radio frequency. This data helps assess disasters, crashes, and fires before human crews are sent in.
Death of Winnipeg firefighter prompts calls for more mental health supports
The tragic death of Winnipeg firefighter Preston Heinbigner has prompted calls for increased mental health support in Manitoba. Heinbigner, a loving husband and father, will be honoured in the Manitoba legislature next week, with flags at fire stations across Winnipeg at half-mast.
BCWS anticipating busy wildfire season, but not as extreme as record-breaking 2023
The province does not anticipate as extreme a wildfire season as last year, but there remains potential for large fires, particularly in the northeast and Central Interior. During a news conference, Matt McDonald, the BC Wildfire Service’s lead fire weather forecaster, emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating that the province is prepared for another challenging fire season.
Wildfire evacuees can now get financial support via e-transfer
The B.C. government is introducing new measures to simplify financial support for evacuees during climate disasters. Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma announced that displaced individuals will now be able to receive a $200 accommodation allowance via e-transfer or at emergency reception centres. This change aims to reduce wait times and provide more options for suitable accommodation.
Wildfire prevention may be leaving some Idahoans without power in the summer and fall months
Some people in southern Idaho may face power outages during the hottest months to reduce wildfire risk. Idaho Power’s “Public Safety Power Shutoff” Plan aims to shut down power in areas with increased wildfire risk, focusing on dry vegetation, low humidity, and high winds.
New search and rescue technology helping locate missing people faster
New technology from Vancouver, called AquaEye, is helping locate missing people underwater faster using AI and ultrasound. This handheld sonar device, developed by VodaSafe, can reduce search times from days to hours, scanning up to an acre of water in about a minute.
Post Fire holds at 15,000 acres near Gorman, as containment increases
Firefighters are gaining control of the Post Fire near Gorman in northwestern Los Angeles County, which remains at 15,690 acres and is 90% contained as of Monday. The fire, first reported on Saturday afternoon near Gorman School Road and Ralph’s Ranch Road by the I-5 Freeway, is the area’s first major wildfire of the year. Strong winds initially fueled the blaze, prompting evacuations.
What ‘running out of water’ could actually mean for Calgary
As Calgary enters its second week of water restrictions due to a critical supply issue following the rupture of the city’s largest water main, citizens are being urged to prioritize water conservation. Officials warn that the city could run out of water if conservation efforts aren’t intensified.