FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
Ex-Fireman Says Trauma Of Job Left Him With PTSD
Former firefighter Lewis speaks out about the trauma he experienced while on duty, which led to PTSD and a mental health crisis. Discover how mental health issues are impacting firefighters. BBC.COM
City Of Nelson Pilots Remote-Controlled Technology For Fire Mitigation Efforts
The City of Nelson is piloting remote-controlled technology to reduce wildfire fuel in steep areas. Learn how this innovative approach aims to tackle fire risks more efficiently. mynelsonnow.com
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Could Be Millions Of Dollars Over Budget In 2024 Due To Overtime
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is projected to exceed its 2024 budget by approximately $12.8 million, primarily due to increased overtime costs and a rise in firefighter injury claims. CBC
Alberta-Made 100-Foot Sprinkler Tower Heralded As The Latest Wildfire Fighting Tool
Alberta's new RainStream™ 100-foot sprinkler towers are being hailed as a game changer in wildfire fighting. These towers can drench forests from above to help protect communities from approaching wildfires. Edmonton Journal
BC Court Certifies Class-Action Lawsuit Over Deadly Downtown Eastside Hotel Fire
A BC court has certified a class-action lawsuit over the deadly Winters Hotel fire in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Find out what this means for survivors seeking justice. CBC
As Wildfire Season Closes, Alberta Reflects on Loss and Lessons
As Alberta’s wildfire season ends, officials reflect on the challenges faced and the resilience shown by communities and firefighters. Learn what steps the province is taking to improve wildfire management. Harvard Media Express
NFPA Addresses Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards In Recycling Facilities
Following a fire at a lithium-ion battery plant in Missouri, the NFPA has issued new guidance on fire safety in recycling facilities. Learn about the risks and safety measures involved in handling these batteries. Fire and Safety Journal Americas
Parliamentary Hearings On Jasper Wildfire Reveal Need For More Long-Term Planning
Experts testified that the Jasper wildfire was avoidable with proper long-term planning. Discover what recommendations are being made to prevent future disasters. cbc.ca
AI Technology Detects Fire In Rural SLO County Before 911 Calls Are Made
AI technology detected a wildfire in rural San Luis Obispo County before any 911 calls were made, enabling quick response and containment. Learn how this early detection could change wildfire management. youtube.com
Health Canada Invests $12.29M To Combat Cancer Among Firefighters
Health Canada is investing $12.29 million to combat cancer in firefighters, focusing on early diagnosis and a new national registry. Learn more about how this investment could save lives. COASTREPORTER.NET
The True Scale Of Canada’s Quietly Devastating Wildfire Season, In 4 Charts
Canada’s 2024 wildfire season may not have broken records like last year, but it was still one of the worst in recent history. Discover the true scale of this year’s fires in four key charts. CBC.CA
A Lithium Battery Fire Sent Toxic Gas Over Montreal. Are We Ready For Such Emergencies?
A lithium battery fire in Montreal sent toxic fumes into nearby neighbourhoods, raising questions about emergency preparedness. Are we ready for more incidents like this? CBC.CA
A Blaze Burns Down A Brand-New Fire Station In Germany That Lacked Fire Alarms
A multimillion-euro fire station in Germany has burned down due to the lack of fire alarms, despite being state-of-the-art. Find out why alarms weren't legally required for this building. TheGuardian.com
Large Wildfires Can Create Decade Long Heat Island In The Wind
Canada's boreal forests remain warmer long after wildfires due to climate impacts, but broadleaf trees might offer some relief. Find out how these trees could help limit wildfire spread. The Weather Network
6 Fallen Firefighters Honoured At Winnipeg Ceremony
Six Manitoba firefighters, including Preston Heinbigner, were honoured at the fallen firefighter memorial ceremony in Winnipeg. The ceremony paid tribute to their sacrifices, with names etched forever in memory. CBC News
Four Homes Damaged In Massive East Vancouver Fire
A massive fire in East Vancouver has displaced 11 residents after damaging four homes. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze on East Pender Street. Vancouver City News
State Farm Discloses Zip Codes Where It Will Drop Coverage For Over 70,000 Houses And Apartments — Here’s Why-
State Farm is ending coverage for over 70,000 homes in wildfire-prone areas of California, leaving many without insurance protection. Discover which communities are affected and why this decision matters. TheCooldown.com
BC. Wildland Firefighter Worried About Smoke Hazards. So He Designed a Solution
Smoke exposure is a major health concern for wildland firefighters, but Angus Duguid’s new respirator could change that. He’s hoping Respire can fill a crucial gap in protection. Check News