Canadian company develops eco-friendly, gel-based fire retardant
Ontario coroner’s panel to look at 58 indigenous fire deaths
An Ontario coroner's panel will be looking into nearly 60 indigenous fire deaths in that province in the last decade. The panel will include coroners, forensic pathologists, fire investigators and members of Ontario's indigenous communities. Click here to read more.
Vancouver fire hall to be first in Canada built to Passive House standards
The replacement for an ageing South Vancouver fire hall will be the first in Canada built to Passive House standards. The project is partially funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund and will also serve as a city-wide post-disaster...
Ultra high pressure water gun can cut through concrete
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.
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Movers & Shakers
Clarington Fire Chief Dave Speed recognized for Ontario Leadership Award- Mt. Pleasant introduces new Fire Chief Mark Kraisinger
- Orillia Fire Chief Capt. Glenn Higgins retires after nearly 30 years
- Canyon Fire Deputy Chief Wiley Harp retires after 42 years of service
- Captain Mark McCarthy retires from Butte Silver Bow Fire Department after 30 years