FireWatch

As Wall Street prioritizes profits, fire departments across the U.S. are feeling the strain, facing budget cuts and resource shortages. With increased financial pressures, some departments are struggling to maintain response times and public safety. Discover how...

Jasper tenants are facing rent hikes of nearly 50% following the 2024 wildfire, worsening an already dire housing crisis. While officials acknowledge the issue, concerns over affordability and price gouging are growing. See what’s being done to address Jasper’s...

California’s new fire maps add 1.4 million acres to high-risk zones, triggering stricter building and land-use regulations. While these changes aim to improve fire safety, they aren’t expected to directly impact insurance rates. Learn how these updates are shaping...

Renault is making EV fires easier to control with a new battery access port that allows firefighters to flood the battery with water in minutes. By offering this technology under a free license, they’re pushing for safer solutions across the industry. See how this...

A fire that destroyed a downtown Prince George building last month was likely caused by improperly stored materials, investigators say. With no signs of foul play or unauthorized entry, officials have ruled the blaze accidental. Learn how the investigation unfolded....

Firefighters in Tataskweyak Cree Nation are forced to use buckets to fight fires due to broken hydrants and a lack of running water in parts of the community. Local leaders are pushing for federal support to fix decades-old infrastructure and improve fire safety. See...

Violence against firefighters is rising worldwide, with three-quarters of German professionals reporting assaults - and Canadian towns now taking steps like providing body armour. Calls for stronger protections, including legislation and bodycams, are growing louder....

CAL FIRE is using augmented reality to train flight crews for dangerous rescue missions—without ever leaving the ground. The new system offers safer, more cost-effective training and helps standardize emergency procedures across the state. See how technology is...

Montreal firefighters are facing a rising number of cancer cases linked to toxic exposure on the job, now accounting for 90% of firefighter deaths in Quebec. The union is calling for better prevention and early detection to protect those who protect us. See how...

Northern Saskatchewan cities like Prince Albert face greater wildfire risks due to their proximity to forests, while Regina and Saskatoon are more likely to see grass fire

A new partnership between Red Deer Polytechnic and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is making firefighter testing more accessible. Candidates can now complete their physical test closer to home, reducing travel barriers and opening opportunities for more...

NASA is advancing drone technology to fight wildfires around the clock, even in low visibility. Recent tests of its Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS) showed promising results, helping drones and piloted aircraft coordinate in real-time. This breakthrough...

Researchers in Canmore warn that unusually low snowfall could have serious consequences for water supply, ecosystems, and wildfire risk. With climate patterns shifting, experts are closely monitoring the potential impact. Learn why this winter’s snow shortage matters....

nationalobserver.com Oregon now requires homeowners in high-risk areas to reduce vegetation and follow stricter building codes to prevent wildfires. In Canada, wildfire protection remains largely voluntary despite record-breaking fires. Experts argue that stronger,...

insurance businessmag.com  The July 2024 wildfire that burned a third of Jasper caused $1.23 billion in insured damage, making it the second most expensive fire in Canadian history. Six months later, recovery is underway, with debris removal nearly complete and...

cbs8.com Team Wildfire is turning Hollywood special effects into real-world firefighting tools. Their new prototype, “Hurricane on Wheels,” uses jet engines and fine-mist retardants to push flames back and cool fire zones more effectively. See how this cutting-edge...

lanarkleedstoday.ca Rising call volumes and training demands are making recruitment harder than ever. The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs is calling for urgent solutions to keep communities protected. Find out what’s at stake and how leaders are responding.

ctvnews.ca  A groundbreaking mentorship program is equipping First Nations fire prevention officers with essential skills to improve fire safety in their communities. Partnering with 11 southern Ontario fire departments, the initiative provides hands-on training,...