As weather-related disasters mount, some Canadian homeowners can’t get insurance coverage
Extreme weather events, including floods, wildfires, storms, and hurricanes, led to insured losses exceeding $3 billion in Canada for the second consecutive year, according to a report by the Insurance Bureau of Canada. CBC News
Springfield Fire Department now using new technology to alert drivers to move over
The Springfield Fire Department has implemented the HAAS Alert Cloud, a new technology connecting emergency lights on firetrucks with drivers' navigation systems. This system provides real-time updates to drivers about accidents or approaching emergency vehicles from...
This device can detect the one lightning strike likely to cause a wildfire
Florida Forest Service collaborates with the Fire Neural Network at the University of Florida, utilizing a High-Risk-Lightning detector for quicker response to wildfires caused by lightening strikes. The detector, integrated with artificial intelligence, provides...
Enhancing Fireground Effectiveness Amid Staffing Challenges
Navigating low staffing levels, tight budgets, and inadequate equipment, fire departments face added complexity in maintaining effective operations. The significance of well-defined roles and responsibilities on the fireground has grown, demanding unwavering...
Edmonton needs different approach for dealing with homeless encampments, police chief says
Edmonton's police chief, Dale McFee, is urging a revaluation of the city's approach to homeless encampments following fatal tent fires downtown. Read More
Bangladesh gets female firefighters for first time
In a historic move for the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), 15 female firefighters have joined the force, marking the first time in its history. Read More
Osoyoos Fire Rescue gains ‘Full-Service’ designation
Osoyoos Fire Rescue (OFR) has been re-designated following ongoing training, enabling it to provide fire suppression protection to larger, more complex structures. In a presentation to council, Corey Kortmeyer OFR Chief said the move “enhances fire life and safety for...
FEMA chief “very concerned” about disinformation from U.S. adversaries after disasters
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell expressed deep concern about U.S. adversaries, such as China and Russia, spreading misinformation and disinformation in the aftermath of natural disasters. Speaking at COP28 in Dubai, Criswell highlighted the potential for...
Apartment buildings with only one stairwell: The answer to B.C. housing woes?
North American building codes have long mandated two staircases in apartment buildings for fire safety. Now, the B.C. government is considering relaxing this requirement, especially for buildings between two and six stories, aligning with European practices. Over the...
E-bike fire on Toronto subway was ‘rapid and intense’
E-bike fire on Toronto subway was 'rapid and intense,' Toronto Fire says. Here's how it erupted. A fire engulfed a subway train in Toronto Sunday afternoon and Toronto Fire says it is due to the failure of a lithium ion battery pack used in an electric bike. Just...
Firefighters sounding the alarm over staffing level
Cochrane firefighters are raising concerns about the necessity for increased manpower to cope with rapid urban expansion, citing it as a critical matter for public safety. He notes that the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standard prescribes one...
Vancouver Island fire department challenged by soaring overdose calls
The number of medical aid calls addressed by Nanaimo Fire Rescue is rapidly increasing, along with the associated response costs. During a Nanaimo city council meeting on Monday, November 6, Fire Chief Tim Doyle presented a report, requested earlier in the spring,...
Though winter is coming, fire crews are on the lookout for zombie fires that can spring back to life
While the official end of the wildfire season in Alberta has been announced, Firefighters remain vigilant, monitoring for underground fires that could potentially reignite come spring. Beneath the surface, fire may still smoulder in organic material known as peat,...
Moncton researchers developing artificial intelligence to fight wildfires
In New Brunswick, a group of researchers is pioneering an innovative strategy to address the escalating wildfire risk in Canada: instructing artificial intelligence to identify them more swiftly. Engineers at the Université de Moncton are refining an algorithm...
Alberta wildfire season ’10 times more severe’ than recent averages, province says
The official conclusion of Alberta's 2023 wildfire season on October 31 was marked by a staggering record: 1,092 wildfires consumed an unprecedented 2.2 million hectares, as reported by the Alberta government. While the total number of fires aligned with the five-year...
Rebuilding process in the Shuswap following wildfires expected to be lengthy
Following the destructive fire in the Shuswap community of British Columbia, residents affected by the disaster now face new hurdles as they begin the rebuilding phase. In an effort to accelerate the reconstruction process, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District has...
High school students learning to become firefighters
Every Friday, nearly a dozen students from Livingstone Range School Division are enrolled in firefighting training and gather at the Granum fire hall for three hours. During these sessions, they learn the ins and outs of the profession. Read More
Fire Chief “extremely pleased” by planned additional cancer coverage for firefighters
Firefighters in Swift Current's Fire Department are now covered for six additional types of cancer. The announcement was made in the recent Throne Speech at the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. It revealed that The Workers' Compensation (Extending Firefighter...
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Vancouver firefighters get $2.8M from city to procure gear free of cancer-causing chemicals.
