February in fire history – Black Saturday bushfires
Australia's all-time worst bushfire disaster took place in February 2009, when an exceptional heat wave sparked 400 fires in the state of Victoria. One hundred seventy-three people died and 414 were injured. February 7 has become widely referred to in Australia as...
Dubai launches rapid response jetski with a firefighter on a jetpack
Hamilton will not charge user fees for waterfall rope rescues
After Hamilton's fire chief warned a user fee could deter people from calling for help city officials have decided not to charge for rope rescues at local waterfalls. Instead they will look into creating a map of trouble spots on the Niagara Escarpment, where numerous...
Langley Township Fire Chief honoured
In recognition of his longstanding dedication to public service and public safety, the Justice Institute of British Columbia will confer an honourary Doctor of Laws degree upon Stephen Gamble, the Township of Langley's Fire Chief. Gamble has spent 38 years in the fire...
After 24 years arrests made in L.A. fire that killed 10, including 7 children
Los Angeles police have arrested several suspects in a fire that swept through a crowded apartment building in May of 1993, killing ten. Among the dead were seven children. More than 100 residents were displaced and 40 were injured. Three of the suspects apparently...
NFPA issues safety bulletin on firefighter protective hoods
Because firefighter protective hoods do not stop soot and chemicals from depositing on a firefighter's neck and head a new NFPA bulletin recommends that fire departments establish practices for care and maintenance of this piece of equipment. here for the full...
Tenants reminded to ensure their landlords provide working smoke alarms
After a house fire in Vancouver killed a toddler, tenants' advocates are reminding renters that they need to ensure their homes have working smoke alarms. Provincial guidelines require landlords to install smoke alarms and keep them in good working condition but there...
Sleep health program can reduce injuries and disability in firefighters
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a sleep health program incorporating sleep health education and sleep disorder screening. Findings of their study showed a nearly 50 percent reduction in long term disability days among those who participated, as...
Battery with inbuilt fire extinguisher developed
Stanford University's research team has designed a lithium-ion battery that contains the flame retardant triphenyl phosphate inside a shell. The shell melts when the temperature reaches 150C, releasing the chemical compound. In tests battery fires were extinguished in...
Firefighters put on union trail for joining volunteer fire departments
The International Association of Fire Fighters is overseeing a union trail in which four Ontario professional firefighters have been charged with misconduct for also joining volunteer fire departments.Ontario is one of two provinces that does not have legislation...
Michaels U.S. recalls rock salt lamps
Michaels U.S. has recalled three Lumiere Himalayan rock salt lamps because the dimmer switch and/or outlet plug can overheat and ignite, posing shock and fire hazards. Customers should immediately stop using the Rock of Gibraltar, Carnival of Lights and Basket of...
January in fire history – Laurier Palace theatre fire
The Laurier Palace Theatre fire, which broke out during an afternoon screening attended by 800 children, killed 78 when one exit was found to be locked and other avenues to safety had inward opening doors. here to read more.
Outspoken BC fire chief dies suddenly
Rob Patterson, chief of the Malahat Volunteer Fire Department for 19 years, died suddenly on January 2nd. Patterson, who attended the scene of many fatal crashes on BC's Malahat, was an outspoken advocate for improved traffic safety measures on the notorious stretch...
After fatal fire Minister pledges aboriginal housing improvements
After a fire in a home on a reserve near London, Ontario killed four young children and their father, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said the federal government is determined to improve aboriginal housing. Click here to read more.
Jasper fire chief earns national award for MS awareness
Jasper's fire chief, Greg Van Tighem, has raised more than $370,000 for MS over the past decade by undertaking solo, unassisted cycling trips across North America. He recently received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal, awarded to Canadians for...
Report addresses volunteer firefighters’ health and safety issues
A new report from the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Volunteer Fire Council aims to help volunteer departments address important issues including cultural change, recruitment and retention, personal health and safety protocols. Click here to read more.
Could balcony sprinklers have prevented massive condo fire?
Balcony and attic sprinklers are not currently required in wood frame buildings under five storeys in British Columbia. The first vice-president of the Fire Chiefs' Association of BC, Don Jolley, who is also chief of the Pitt Meadows Fire Rescue Service, believes they...
Canada developing national fire information database
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs is helping to create Canada's first national fire information database. Fire departments from across the country are participating in the effort with the goal of determining if some areas or types of structures are more likely...
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.
