FireWatch

The Port Coquitlam Fire Department is launching a first‑of‑its‑kind support dog program to help firefighters, staff and even residents cope with stress and traumatic calls using a specially trained canine. The dog will offer comfort after tough incidents, during...

Phoenix has rolled out an AI‑powered system to handle non‑emergency 911 calls, greeting callers and guiding them through prompts so human dispatchers can focus on life‑threatening emergencies. The tool aims to cut wait times, ease staff stress, and free up resources...

A new fire‑extinguishing agent called Hydrogel can put out flames without using PFAS, “forever chemicals,” aiming to protect both people and the environment. Unlike traditional foams, it contains zero detectable PFAS yet still performs well on common and lithium‑ion...

A fire service in Hertfordshire has begun trialling body‑worn cameras for crews after an 83 per cent jump in abuse incidents, from verbal harassment to physical confrontations with firefighters and support staff. The cameras are meant to deter bad behaviour, help with...

Hong Kong officials say they warned contractors about fire safety risks at the Wang Fuk Court high‑rise renovation project less than a week before a deadly blaze tore through the complex, raising questions about whether enough was done to prevent the disaster....

Researchers around Bradford are trialling robotic dogs equipped with AI to help spot wildfires early and operate in conditions too dangerous for humans. These high‑tech helpers could make fire detection faster and safer in rough terrain. Read more to learn how robots...

Modern fire services are shifting from just reacting to emergencies toward creating real, lasting value in their communities through prevention, education and partnerships. By focusing on risk reduction and community well‑being, departments can keep people safer...

A California startup is developing a fire‑suppression system that uses targeted sound waves to interrupt flames without water or chemicals, offering a cleaner way to fight certain fires. If proven effective, the tech could help protect homes and infrastructure with...

The Holiday season can be tough on fire‑service crews, where long shifts, volunteer commitments and unpredictable calls add stress when families want connection most. A few simple acts, a warm meal together, a handwritten thank‑you note, or a small surprise treat can...

NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are rolling out new drone and air‑traffic‑management tech that could let crews fight wildfires at night, and even through thick smoke, when traditional planes must stand down. Their suitcase‑size portable system gives...

Fire and EMS services in 2025 are facing a growing skills shortage, even as new tech, changing regulations and rising disaster demands reshape how firefighters respond. Departments now wrestle with tighter staffing, pressure to adopt new gear and evolving expectations...

Being a new fire chief isn’t the triumph many expect; it’s a wake‑up call. In the first few months on the job, one chief faced uncomfortable truths, learned the importance of listening over action, and saw why building trust matters more than issuing orders. Find out...

A massive blaze has devastated several high‑rise towers in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, leaving dozens dead and hundreds unaccounted for, a tragedy described as the city’s deadliest fire in decades. Flames spread rapidly through bamboo scaffolding and renovation...

Digital tools promise efficiency for fire departments, but an emerging concern is that they may be chipping away at the face‑to‑face trust and old‑school leadership skills that build strong crews. As tech rises, some fear the next generation of fire leaders could lose...

Fire departments are beginning to tap into AI. Not to replace firefighters, but to give them a smarter “co‑pilot” in emergencies, helping track fire spread, monitor conditions, and support safer decision–making. These tools promise clearer situational awareness,...

In the far north, fires that seemed dead come back to life. Smouldering beneath snow and soil, these “zombie fires” are now re‑igniting across Arctic and boreal forests once spring hits - and with climate change drying peat and permafrost, they’re becoming a dangerous...

A new article explores the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in firefighting, showing how data‑driven tools, sensors and intelligent systems are helping crews stay safer and work smarter. The piece highlights both the promise of tech like predictive...

Parks Canada has released two detailed reports on the July 2024 wildfire in Jasper National Park, confirming that a lightning strike triggered the blaze, and that “tornado‑force” fire‑driven winds and heavy fuel loads helped it spread rapidly. The findings point out...