FireWatch
FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.
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...
Evacuation notices for Gatlinburg never sent to mobile devices
People relying solely on their phones in Gatlinburg and Sevier County Tennessee did not receive a text warning them to evacuate. High winds disabled phone, internet and electricity services causing communications to fail.
Warehouse fire in Oakland kills at least 33
A fire in a converted warehouse in Oakland, California has killed at least 33 people. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but the building had no sprinklers and the only exit from the second floor was a makeshift staircase. Firefighters arriving on scene...
Fire departments utilize app for emergency response
The app IamResponding is being used by many fire departments. It allows dispatchers to notify firefighters of an emergency incident and find out who can respond and what their training is. Notifications can be sent to traditional radios and smartphones. Click...
Surrey fire chief co-edits book on designing out crime
Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis, who is also an adjunct professor at the University of the Fraser Valley's Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research, has helped write a book, "Designing Out Crime", that focuses on what local governments can do to evaluate and...
New details on fatal propane explosion at Everett coffee stand
Investigators found improper storage and use of multiple propane containers and an illegal deadbolt were major factors in the death of an Everett, Washington barista. here to read more
Fire service realignment has positive effect on ambulance calls
Sault Ste. Marie Fire Chief Mike Figliola reports a realignment of fire services has had a positive impact on ambulance calls. The number of on-duty firefighters at any time has been lowered and paramedics and paramedic supervisors have been hired as part of the plan....
Firefighters selling shifts on Facebook
Firefighters in Houston, Texas are potentially making thousands of untaxed dollars a year by selling shifts on Facebook. Click here to read more.
Dr. John DeHaan to retire
Dr. John DeHaan, author of Kirk's Fire Investigation and Forensic Fire Scene Reconstruction and noted authority on fire forensics, is retiring this year. here to read about his fascinating career.
Why fire bikes work in congested cities
Are firefighting motorcycles, or fire bikes, the next big thing for urban fire departments? They are already in use in cities in Japan, Singapore and Brazil for fire suppression and to provide emergency first response. Advocates claim the use of fire bikes brings down...
Downtown East Side fire hall overwhelmed by overdose crisis
Vancouver Fire Chief John McKearney says crews at Fire Hall No. 2, located in the city's notorious Downtown East Side, are overwhelmed by emergency medical calls involving people overdosing on fentanyl. Average calls a month at the fire hall have jumped from 600 to...
Kidde recalls talking combination smoke and CO alarms
Kidde, in a joint recall with Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Saety Commission, has recalled their Kidde NightHawk talking combination smoke/CO alarm KN-COSM-IBCA and KN-COSM-ICA models manufactured between June 1 2004 and March 2011. Click here to...
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Movers & Shakers
Greater Napanee Fire promotes Shawn Armstrong to Fire Chief- Appleton Fire Department Captain Jeffrey “Nelly” Nelessen retires after 29 years of service
- Glendale Fire Department Fire Chief Greg Fish announces retirement after 33 years of service
- Waynesville names a long-time loyal firefighter, Chris Mehaffey, as interim Fire Chief