May 8, 2023
Last summer, the International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization, declared firefighting as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it found sufficient evidence to link the job to the risk of certain cancers. It’s one of only five occupations to receive this designation.
Firefighters told CBC News they have seen a change in how seriously their peers consider this risk. But as departments implement prevention measures and try to hammer messaging home, finite budgets and resources impede them from taking all of the necessary precautionary steps.
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Apr 11, 2023
The high-stress environment in which we work can lead to feelings of danger and uncertainty – feelings that can have a significant impact on our mental health. And if firefighters do not feel supported by their team, supervisors and peers, they may be less likely to speak up about their concerns or ask for help, which can lead to further stress and result in dangerous or disastrous outcomes.
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Apr 11, 2023
More than 18,000 Sunbeam heated blankets have been recalled.
According to a recall notice posted by Health Canada, the blankets pose a potential fire hazard.
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Apr 11, 2023
World-leading fire safety expert José Torero has told Dezeen he is “extremely concerned” about mass-timber buildings being constructed around the world.
As part of a feature on fire safety, Torero claimed that a lack of consistency in the competency of people designing and constructing mass-timber buildings runs the risk of a “catastrophic” fire event.
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Apr 11, 2023
Fire swept through the courthouse in the town of Golden in southeastern British Columbia, injuring one firefighter battling the flames.
Golden Fire Department deputy chief Rob Perry offered few details but confirmed the injury and said the firefighter was treated in hospital.
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Apr 11, 2023
Volunteer fire departments, ground search and rescue organizations, and First Nations fire departments will get help to address the impacts of rising operational costs.
The Province is investing almost $3.5 million to provide one-time grants to more than 340 organizations. Each group will receive $10,000.
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Apr 11, 2023
Wildfires have been growing in frequency and severity in the United States over the last several years. Although most fires occur in forests or other wildlands, away from where large numbers of people live and work, recent large wildfires have spread into populated areas and have resulted in heavy damages.
In 2018, the Camp Fire, the largest wildfire in US history, destroyed 18,804 structures and killed 85 people in Paradise, California. Of the top 10 costliest fires (measured by insured losses), 8 have occurred since 2017.
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Apr 11, 2023
More than 15 per cent of the Castlegar Fire Department’s calls during 2022 were made to the area in and around The Way Out Shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue.
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Apr 11, 2023
Langford Fire Chief Chris Aubrey says changes are needed to stop firefighters from dying of cancer, as he paid tribute to Assistant Chief Lance Caven on Tuesday (March 21).
The type of cancer Caven died from is one of 13 on the province’s list of presumptive work-related cancers for firefighters. If a firefighter is diagnosed with one of those cancers, they don’t have to prove the cancer is work-related to get compensation under the Workers Compensation Act.
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