FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
Western University studies working wounded firefighters
A study carried out by Western University suggests the physical demands of the job have long-term impacts on firefighters' bodies. Click here to read more.
Hamilton considers free inspections for tenants, anonymous tip line
Hamilton city staff will report on 25 recommendations, including free inspections for tenants and an anonymous line, from a landlord group opposed to licencing. Click here to read more.
Washington State lawmakers propose banning toxic firefighting foams
Washington State lawmakers want to ban perfluorinated chemicals in firefighting foam to protect ground water and the health of firefighters. Click here to read more.
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.
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