FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
Three-Quarters of German Firefighters Experienced Violence From The Public – A Growing Problem Worldwide
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....
State Fire Agency Taps Augmented Reality to Train For ‘High-Risk Missions’
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...
The Rate of Cancer Reporting Is Accelerating Among Montreal Firefighters, Who Account For 90% of All Firefighter Deaths in Quebec
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...
How Vulnerable Are Saskatchewan’s 3 Largest Cities to Wildfires?
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
RDP Increases Accessibility for Firefighter Testing
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 Flight Tests Wildland Fire Tech Ahead of Demo
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...
Lack Of Snow Concerning to Alberta Researchers
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....
Should Canada Follow Oregon’s Lead On Mandatory Wildfire Protection Rules?
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,...
Jasper Fire The Second Costliest Fire in Canadian History
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...
Team Wildfire’s ‘Hurricane On Wheels’ Uses Advanced Technology to Fight Wildfires
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...
Country-Wide Volunteer Firefighter Shortage Sparks Crisis in Local Emergency Services
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.
New Fire Prevention Program Aims to Empower First Nations
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,...
Wildland Firefighters Deserve Better Cancer Compensation, NDP Says
CTVnews.ca Alberta’s wildland firefighters face the same cancer risks as structural firefighters, yet they lack the same presumptive compensation. While other provinces have expanded coverage, Alberta’s government continues to delay action. Find out why the fight for...
Did a Private Equity Fire Truck Roll-Up Worsen The L.A. Fires?
As wildfires raged, over half of LA’s fire trucks sat idle due to soaring costs and supply delays. A private equity takeover has driven up prices, reduced competition, and left fire departments struggling. Find out how industry consolidation is affecting emergency...
Public Backs Reduced On-Call Firefighter Crews
Public Backs Reduced On-Call Firefighter Crews More than 80% of Staffordshire residents back the move to three-person on-call firefighter crews after a 17-month trial. The fire service’s four-year plan also prioritizes community safety, climate response, and workforce...
AI Can ‘Hear’ When a Lithium Battery Is About to Catch Fire
Using AI and sound recognition, researchers can now detect when lithium batteries are about to fail, offering a critical early warning system. Discover how this innovation could save lives and prevent devastating fires. Nist.gov
BC Wildfire Service Reflects On 2024; Minister Of Forests Preparing For 2025
After managing 51 evacuation orders in 2024, BC Wildfire Service unveils advanced firefighting tools and plans for a wildfire training centre at Thompson Rivers University. Learn how these innovations are shaping the future of wildfire management. Vancouver City News
Ontario Ignites $30M Initiative To Combat Firefighter Cancer Risks
With over 50 firefighter cancer deaths annually in Canada, Ontario’s $30M Fire Protection Grant targets prevention by upgrading equipment and infrastructure for its 33,000 firefighters. Exeter Today