Remotely-piloted aircraft help battle California’s third largest fire
In a control room on the ground, the pilot and sensor operator can control the flight of the MQ-1 and operate its cameras to send important images and video of the Yosemite fire to CAL FIRE and Air National Guard command posts on the ground....
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
A Fire Prevention First—Fire Avert combats the #1 Cause of Home Fires
The Fire Avert shows great potential for kitchen fire prevention. It works in conjunction with any working smoke detector, regardless of brand. When the smoke detector beeps and if your stove is on, Fire Avert turns it off until the owner can address the situation....
Detroit investigates just 20% of suspicious fires, underreports arson
In Detroit the number of arson investigators who determine the cause of suspicious fires has dropped by nearly 60% since 2009. The arson unit is so understaffed that it only investigates one out of every five suspicious fires....
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....
Fire department gets prevention grant after reading article in FireWatch
The Prince Rupert Fire Department read an article in FireWatch about FM Global's grant program and successfully applied for a grant. Letter of thanks from Prince Rupert Fire Department.
SF fire chief bans helmet cameras in wake of crash
San Francisco's fire chief has explicitly banned firefighters from using helmet-mounted video cameras. Chief Joanne Hayes-White said she issued the order because, "There comes a time that privacy of the individual is paramount, of greater importance than having a...
Judge orders FDNY not to use apparatus over 10 years old
FDNY officials argued that older trucks are critical response vehicles for non-fire calls. “This award will potentially endanger numerous lives by frustrating the only means of transportation available to numerous lieutenants and captains employed by the FDNY.”...
NIOSH – Evaluation of Chemical Exposures during Firefighter Training Exercises Involving Smoke Simulant
If you use chemical smoke simulants during training exercises you should read this. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2012-0028-3190.pdf
Coroner confirms girl was fatally struck by a fire truck at San Francisco International Airport during response to crash
A student from China was still alive after the July 6 plane crash but died after suffering multiple blunt-force injuries consistent with being run over by a vehicle outside of the plane....
Kelowna fire chief wants older apartments retrofitted with balcony, attic sprinklers
The Kelowna fire chief references a report published by the University of the Fraser Valley which identifies that out of 2,638 multi-residential building fires of this type, 10 per cent of them occurred on the balconies....
Inmates fight fires, reclaim their lives
The Colorado Department of Corrections “SWIFT” (State Wildland Inmate Fire Team) program helps inmates learn teamwork and also provides a potential post-prison career and gives back to communities by performing an important role in a fire-prone state....
A fatality caused by a 1930 fire truck during a parade sparks a debate over lack of inspections for antique vehicles.
Even a 1930s fire truck, assuming it's well cared for, shouldn't be any more risky than any other vehicle, but it needs proper maintenance and attention by somebody who understands that technology....
Esri and Institute of Fire Engineers Partner to Improve Fire Prevention Planning
Esri and the Institute of Fire Engineers—USA (IFE) have partnered to improve fire prevention planning through the use of simple risk analysis capabilities that include computer mapping and demographic analysis. The methods being developed will be made available for...
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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