FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
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
AI Is Ready To Help Fight Wildfires, And The ‘Windninja’ Is Next
NOAA and the U.S. Forest Service unveil WindNinja, a tool offering precise wind forecasting to aid wildfire management. Learn how it’s changing the game. rmpbs
Cal Fire San Diego Shows Off Latest Technology to Fight Fires
San Diego's Cal Fire introduces a cutting-edge "video wall" to enhance wildfire management. Discover how this advanced tool is reshaping fire response strategies. Youtube
E-Bike Battery Explodes – Blowing Doors Off and Starting Huge Fire
An e-bike battery explosion caused a massive fire, leaving three injured and a home in ruins. Find out why experts warn against second-hand batteries and generic chargers. Flip Board
RDEK Firefighter Pilot Program Sees Great Success
A new RDEK program provided aspiring firefighters with real-world experience while strengthening regional fire services. Find out why this initiative is being celebrated as a win for everyone involved. E Know
Esquimalt to Receive New Firefighter Gear Containing no ‘Forever Chemicals’
Esquimalt firefighters will soon wear PFAS-free turnout gear, addressing serious health risks linked to these chemicals. Discover how this decision leads the way in firefighter safety. Victoria Buzz
Legislation Governing Fire Protection in N.S. In Need Of Overhaul, Say Longtime Firefighters
Nova Scotia’s fire protection laws are under scrutiny as firefighters highlight gaps in legislation and funding. Discover what experts propose to strengthen fire response and safety in the province. CBC News
Population Growth Strains Canadian Fire Departments
As Canada's population grows, fire departments face increasing pressure to handle more emergency calls. Learn what fire chiefs are proposing to address the strain. Global News
New Educational Tool Kit Helps Fire Departments with Electrical House Fire Prevention
A new educational toolkit offers free resources to help fire departments prevent electrical fires, featuring customizable content and safety information. Find out how this toolkit supports fire safety education. Firehouse.com
Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter Demonstrates Precise Wildfire Suppression
An autonomous Black Hawk helicopter demonstrated precision wildfire suppression, marking a major step forward in aerial firefighting technology. Learn how this breakthrough could help contain wildfires at their earliest stages. Drone Life
New Fire Chief Whips Osoyoos Fire Rescue Into Shape
Six-year-old Sara Dhaliwal took on the role of Junior Fire Chief at Osoyoos Fire Rescue, spending a busy day helping firefighters and even instructing them on fire hose handling. Learn more about her special day. Times Chronicle
Lithium Battery Explodes In Vancouver Island Fire Chief’s Home
A new lithium battery exploded in the home of a Vancouver Island fire chief, leading to a close call. Find out why this incident highlights the dangers of lithium batteries, even when not in use. Vancouver Sun
‘A Huge Advantage’: ODOT Uses Robodog To Inspect Fire Damage On Big Mac Bridge
Ohio's Department of Transportation used a robotic dog named Brutus to inspect fire damage on the Big Mac bridge, accessing hazardous areas unsafe for crews. Learn how this new technology helped assess the extent of the damage. Cincinnati.com
Recent Articles
AI Can ‘Hear’ When a Lithium Battery Is About to Catch Fire
BC Wildfire Service Reflects On 2024; Minister Of Forests Preparing For 2025
Ontario Ignites $30M Initiative To Combat Firefighter Cancer Risks
AI Is Ready To Help Fight Wildfires, And The ‘Windninja’ Is Next
Cal Fire San Diego Shows Off Latest Technology to Fight Fires
