FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
Rubberneckers make first responders’ jobs more dangerous
First Nation needs to build forest fire fighting capacity
The Tsilqhot'in First Nation has released a review of the 2017 wildfire season. The review makes 33 recommendations for improvements in training, infrastructure and funding. Click here to read more.
BC regulations allow logging debris to be left on the ground for years
Current rules allow forestry companies up to 30 months to clean up debris left by logging and, even after cleanup, to leave large amounts of debris on the ground. Click here to read more.
Female firefighters’ health needs often neglected
Seventy-five percent of female firefighters in the US and Canada said they don’t have access to female-specific personal protective equipment. Click here to read more.
Change in BCEHS response policy has firefighters concerned
BC Emergency Health Services has implemented a new dispatch model that firefighters say is endangering the public. Click here to read more.
BC wildfire fighters to get occupational disease coverage
Under legislation introduced in the BC legislature cancer, heart disease and mental health disorder presumptions will be expanded to include wildfire fighters, investigators and fire crews working for indigenous groups. Click here to read more.
Michigan fire chiefs want rules for disposal of firefighting foam
As fire-fighting foams containing PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer, immune system dysfunction and issues with child development Michigan fire chiefs are seeking a protocol for disposal of the foams. Click here to read more.
Fatal fire raises concerns about thousands of other buildings
A fatal fire in Esquimalt, BC has raised concerns about thousands of similar buildings - three and four storey walk-ups without sprinklers. These buildings didn't require sprinklers when they were built and were grandfathered under the old building code. Click here to...
Robson FD named fire department of the year by MD Canada
Robson Fire Department, which recently held its sixth annual Boot Drive to raise funds for muscular dystrophy, has been named "Fire Department of the Year" by Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Click here to read more.
U.S. auto safety regulator to open investigation into Hyundai, Kia engine fires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will open an investigation into 3 million Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation vehicles after reports of more than 3,000 fires. Click here to read more.
9/11 compensation funds running out
The growing number of people registered as having 9/11-related illnesses is putting pressure on the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. Click here to read more.
Residents used to false alarms ignore fire in Hay River highrise
Residents of a 17-story building in Hay River, NWT are so accustomed to false fire alarms that they disregarded the alarms when there was actually a fire in the building. Click here to read more.
Vernon ordered to reinstate two employees dismissed for sexual activity in fire chief’s office
The City of Vernon has been ordered to reinstate two fire department employees who were caught on video engaging in sexual activity in the fire chief's office and subsequenty dismissed. Click here to read more.
Nova Scotia fire departments implement new safety measures after firefighter death
Nova Scotia fire departments have responded with new safety measures after a firefighter died as a result of an incident during training that involved a fire extinguisher. Click here to read more.
Daily fire truck inspection rule unnecessary?
An Alberta Transportation requirement that all vehicles over 11,794 kg be inspected daily has led to increased overtime for some volunteer fire departments. Click here to read more.
Volunteer firefighters sued over hotel fire in Manitoba
The owner of a hotel in The Pas and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries are suing the town's volunteer fire department and the town after the Town Centre Hotel was completely destroyed by fire. Click here to read more.
Fire-proof sensor can track firefighters in burning buildings
Reseachers at McMaster University have come up with a motion-activated, fire-proof sensor that can track firefighters and others working in environments where they are not easily seen. (Thanks to Chief Janine Caldbeck of the Thetis Island Fire Department for...
Retirement homes owner fined more than $200K for fire code violations
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