November in fire history – the Cocoanut Grove fire
On November 28, 1942 a catastrophic fire at Boston's Cocoanut Grove nightclub led to reform of safety standards and codes in the U.S. and major changes in treatment of burn victims internationally. Four hundred and ninety-two people were killed and hundreds more...
Kidde recalls millions of fire extinguishers
Kidde Corporation is recalling 134 different brands of fire extinguishers because they can fail in an emergency. Click here for the list of affected Canadian models. Click here to read more.
UBC develops new wildfire early warning system
University of British Columbia researchers have developed an early warning system that tracks greening vegetation to predict the risk of human-caused wildfires with ten day accuracy. Click here to read more.
San Francisco to ban sale of furniture containing flame retardants
Following the lead of Maine, San Francisco will ban the sale of upholstered furniture containing flame retardants. Flame retardants are linked to cancer and birth defects. Click here to read more.
Did water speed up spread of flames in Grenfell Tower fire?
Professor Laurence Harwood from the University of Reading believes a violent chemical reaction between water in Grenfell Tower's insulating foam and its aluminum cladding may explain why the fire spread so quickly. Click here to read more.
100 portraits in 100 days to raise awareness of job fatigue
New award recognizes B.C. wildfire/flood volunteers, first responders
The Province of B.C. has created "Above and Beyond" awards to recognize people who stepped up to help their communities during the spring floods and summer wildfires of 2017. Nominations can be made online or by mail and everyone who is nominated will receive a...
Toronto tenants will have access to fire inspections by year-end
By the end of 2017 Toronto high-rise tenants will be able to see the results of fire code inspections of their buildings without having to file a Freedom of Information request.
October in fire history – the Chicago fire
The Great Chicago Fire burned from Sunday, October 8 to Tuesday, October 10, 1871. The fire killed up to 300 people, destroyed roughly 9 square kilometers of the city and left 100,000 residents homeless. Click here to read more.
Reductions to fire service may have hampered rescue efforts at Grenfell Tower
Members of the first fire crews to attend the Grenfell Tower fire have concerns about the length of time it took to send backup engines. The head of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, said the delay may have been worsened by closures of local fire stations. Wrack...
Deep River, ON struggles to redesign emergency services
The town of Deep River, Ontario, population 4,000, simply can't afford to operate a fire department with nine full-time firefighters, says the Mayor. As the small town struggles to redesign its emergency services the Fire Chief has resigned and residents have...
Review cites need for research on wildfire, chemical interactions
A recently published review by UC Davis graduate students found research on the health impacts of wildfire smoke where fire-suppression chemicals and pesticides are used is lacking. Click here to read more.
Montreal’s Metro operators use simulator to learn how to deal with fires
In a sealed-off tunnel in an undisclosed location in Montreal Metro operators and fire personnel use simulations to learn how to deal with fire emergencies in the subway network. The simulator uses a real Metro train. here to learn more.
Halifax seniors’ building to get fire-rated cladding
The Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority, after an investigation by a fire safety expert, has decided to replace the cladding on a 16 story seniors' residence in Halifax. The cladding was found to be the same type used on Grenfell Towers in London. Click here to...
Court orders blood sample after man vomits on firefighter
B.C.'s Intervention Disclosure Act has been used for the first time to order a blood sample from a person who vomited on a Nanaimo firefighter, then left the hospital before being treated. here to read more.
Alberta ranchers demand answers from Canadian military
Alberta ranchers who lost homes, structures, equipment, fences and cattle after a grass fire that started on CFB Suffield swept through 36,000 hectares of land are asking for compensation and answers from the Canadian military. The military has acknowledged...
September in fire history – the Blue Bird Cafe fire
On September 1, 1972 three young men who had been refused entry set a fire on the staircase that served as the only regular entrance for the Wagon Wheel bar in Montreal. The resulting fire killed 37 people. Click here to read more.
Government declares Canadian National Firefighters Memorial Day
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Ralph Goodale announced the Government of Canada has set aside the second Sunday in September as National Firefighters Memorial Day. 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