Illinois man’s arson conviction overturned after 22 years
Due to the work of the Illinois Innocence Project and advances in fire science and arson investigations an Illinois man has had his arson conviction overturned. Bill Amor spent 22 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted. Click here to read more.
February in fire history – the 1916 Parliament Hill fire
On February 2, 1916 a fire that began in the Reading Room of the House of Commons destroyed everything except the Library of Parliament. Seven people died in the fire. Click here to read more.
Ionization vs. photoelectric smoke alarms – debate continues
After a three year study Fire and Rescue New South Wales found it is the number, location and interconnection of smoke alarms that gives the best possible warning of a fire. The research has been challenged by independent fire experts. Click here to read more.
California mudslides “predicted and predictable”
Last month's deadly mudslides in California were terrifying but, according to Adam Rogers of Wired magazine, predictable and predicted. Click here to read more.
SIGNS – short film “A First Responder’s Battle”
The inside story of the Grenfell Tower fire
The Grenfell Tower fire was a fire like no other. The story has now been told from the point of view of those trapped in the fire and those who fought it. Click here to read more.
Safety messages falling on deaf ears
Ontario fire officials are expressing frustration as recent fire fatalities show people are not getting the message that smoke alarms save lives. Click here to read more.
Dr. John DeHaan receives prestigious Rasbash Award
Dr. John DeHaan, author of Kirk's Fire Investigation and noted fire investigator, received the Rasbash Award for his contribution to “Knowledge from Fire Investigation” from Martin Shipp, International President, International Institution of Fire...
Are Australian birds intentionally starting fires?
According to a recent research paper Australian raptors are intentionally spreading grass fires to flush out prey. Click here to read more.
Natural Gas for Transportation for First Responders
Click here for an information sheet on natural gas transportation for first responders, courtesy of Fortis BC.
LNG Road Tanker Emergency Guideline
Click here for a guideline for LNG road tanker emergencies, courtesy of Fortis BC.
January in fire history – Rhoads Opera House fire
On the night of January 13, 1908 the Rhoads Opera House in Boyertown, Pennsylvania caught fire during a performance after a lamp was knocked over. One hundred and seventy-one people died in the ensuing conflagration. Click here to read more.
Tenants given online access to highrise fire inspection reports
Tenants of over 1,400 residential highrises in Toronto now have access to a searchable database that tells them when fire inspections were done, what violations were found and when they were resolved. The information includes information on closed inspections dated...
The numbers are in – BC’s record-setting fire season
After a record-setting wildfire season the BC Wildfire Service has tallied up the numbers, from kilometres burned (12,164) to people killed (0). Click here to read more.
Residential facility treats firefighters with PTSD
In a unique residential facility in Maryland, firefighters suffering from PTSD, depression, substance abuse and other disorders developed on the job are being treated among their own in a place created to make them feel comfortable opening up about their problems....
Nuclear lab temporarily providing fire protection to Ontario town
After the fire department in Deep River, Ontario encountered financial problems that left it short-staffed and under-resourced, the corporation running Chalk River Laboratories nuclear facility agreed to manage the town's fire services until July of 2018. Click here...
California wildfire started in homeless camp-backlash feared
California's Skirball fire started as a cooking fire under a freeway in a homeless camp. The homeless services community fears a backlash against the city's poorest inhabitants. Click here to read more.
Where does money raised by the province for the Fire Marshall go?
New Brunswick's Association of Fire Chiefs wants to know where the funds raised under provincial legislation for the Fire Marshall's Office are actually going. Click here to read more.
Recent Articles
Yellowknife to Fort McMurray: lessons from the frontlines of Canada’s worst wildfires.
Volunteer firefighters see doubling in tax credit.
Oro-Medonte fire chief smokes out several ways to boost revenue.
Ahead of likely ‘ferocious’ wildfire season, fire chiefs lament drop in volunteers.
Vancouver firefighters get $2.8M from city to procure gear free of cancer-causing chemicals.
