FireWatch

FireWatch is a service that provides links to news stories from the fire community that have attracted our attention.

Winnipeg Councillors Suspicious of Fire Chief’s Dismissal

The Winnipeg fire chief, who was named chief two years ago, had been embroiled in controversy over an unusual land swap and sale of fire halls. His dismissal comes shortly before the anticipated release of a detailed audit report on the land swap deal. ...

British Firefighters Strike Over Changes to Pensions

Government imposed changes to British firefighter pensions have the union fighting back.  Although the mandatory retirement age is 60 firefighters have to wait until 65 to receive full pension....

North Bay Fire dept. staffing under review due to FUS

North Bay Council has called for more study in response to a fire underwriter’s survey that suggests it would take an $8-million capital investment, including the construction of another reservoir to store more water, as well as the hiring of more fire fighters and...

Three Toronto firefighters fired over inappropriate tweets

The termination of three Toronto firefighters Monday over comments made on social media has sparked anger from their union, which insists the firings do nothing to promote a culture of respect in the city's firehalls....

London Fire Brigade to axe 550 jobs and close 10 stations

The London Fire Brigade, which employs approximately 7,000 staff, 5,800 of whom are operational firefighters and officers operating from 112 fire stations, prepares to axe 550 jobs and close 10 stations.   ...

Dehumidifiers recalled as potential fire hazard

Dehumidifiers produced by a number of different manufacturers have been recalled as potential fire hazards. There have been 165 incidents, including 46 fires and $2.15 million in property damage. No injuries have been reported....

New portable fire extinguisher training technology

This portable fire extinguisher training system, which utilizes propane gas, is much safer and more environmentally friendly than past methods. A trainer can control the intensity of the flames and utilize the emergency stop switch on a handheld controller at any time.

Modern homes burn eight times faster than 50 years ago

Even 30 years ago, a person had up to an estimated eight minutes to exit their home from the time their smoke detector went off. Today, a person has less than two minutes. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/modern-homes-burn-8-times-faster-than-50-years-ago-1.1700063

Rooftop solar panels pose dangers?

Ontario firefighters say rooftop solar panels pose dangers.  Manufacturers disagree. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/rooftop-solar-panels-pose-dangers-ontario-firefighters-say-1.1700070

Heat Stress

NIOSH Report says employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/

B.C.’s fire-reduction strategy misses mark

Researchers have found that the actual costs associated with a wildfire, such as home and business losses and damage to natural resources, can range from two to 60 times the suppression cost....

Saskatoon arsonist caught on tape

A bold arsonist drives up, pours a flammable liquid, ignites the fire and drives off -  all caught on camera.  http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2013/08/27/saskatoon-arson-video-130827.html

Volunteer firefighters feel the strain

Volunteer firefighters are feeling the strain as they take on more and more unpaid responsibilities that exceed their traditional tasks of battling flames and responding to medical emergencies and motor-vehicle crashes....

Recieve our FireWatch Newsletters

* indicates required
Company/Department