The next generation of technology
New technology may provide a direct satellite video link that allows operations specialists located in a central command centre to watch fire-fighting operations live in support of the Incident Commander on the scene. The cameras can be installed on top of fire...
Scottish fire service charged criminally in death of firefighter
The Scottish Crown has now decided to invoke criminal charges under their health and safety laws against the fire service. They are charged with breaching section two of the Health and Safety at Work Act, which states "it shall be the duty of every employer to...
Facebook and Twitter used to help fight grass fires
The fire department is using social media as part of a new initiative to make appeals and provide arson awareness messages after incidents. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22019012
Can egg whites cure burns?
There is an email going around suggesting that egg whites may be a miracle cure for burns. Urban Legends discounts this claim. http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/medical/a/Egg-Whites-For-Burns.htm
Best April Fools story we came across
After a five-year study, a leading research group has concluded that loud, blaring sirens on fire trucks are ineffective at getting cars to clear a path. In response to the study there is a new standard for apparatus sirens that replaces the familiar sirens with...
Hire slow and fire fast
If you substitute "fire chief" for "business owner" and "organization" for "business" you will see this article is very relevant to the fire service. http://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickhull/2013/03/27/hire-slow-fire-fast/
City and union clash over 24 hour shift schedule
The city says it needs to save millions of dollars and one way is to put the firefighters onto a 24 hour shift. The union argues the move would represent a cut to their hourly pay and also consider the new schedule potentially unsafe, citing fatigue near the end...
GPS units in emergency response vehicles pose a concern to fire and police unions
Some fire departments have had GPS units in their vehicles for only about a month, and already there is an internal investigation of at least two fire battalion chiefs who were traveling in excess of 100 mph in city-issued SUVs. Firefighters are upset that...
Residential fire sprinklers are the only proactive form of fire protection
While smoke detectors are key in alerting occupants of fire, they are also a reactive form of fire protection, and can only save those who are able to react. Fire sprinklers, on the other hand are proactive, providing firefighters the time they need to...
Fire departments give mixed reviews on self-inspection programs
Some fire departments that employ business owner self-inspection programs have found that many were not as compliant as they said they were. http://www.cleveland.com/bay-village/index.ssf/2013/03/self-inspection_efforts_get_mi.html
Fire prevention grants may be available from FM Global
FM Global Insurance has a grant program available to fire departments and other groups for funding in support of fire and arson prevention, pre-fire planning and education and training programs. http://www.fmglobal.com/page.aspx?id=01060200
More Texas arson convictions challenged over fire science
Authorities in Texas and other states are beginning to re-examine old cases where defendants were sent to prison for setting fires based on expert testimony about burn patterns and charring that today is considered suspect. Nine years ago Texas executed Cameron...
Spontaneous human combustion?
This story says there have been about 200 cases worldwide of spontaneous human combustion. All the research is done on the subject, however, it suggests that there is no such thing and it is simply body fat burning which was usually ignited by an ignition source such...
Over 4000 cars recalled for electrical problem that could result in a fire
Wire harnesses on 2013 model Challengers equipped with V6 engines could overheat from a short circuit and cause a fire. Chrysler is telling customers to stop driving their cars and not to park them "in or near any structures." Chrysler said it was aware of seven...
Fire department management overstates number of available response units
At least four aerials and six engines were incorrectly listed in a spreadsheet fire officials provided to D.C. Council’s public safety committee. The firefighters union uncovered the discrepancies by checking serial numbers and conducting a station-by-station...
Town council votes to consolidate fire district
Consolidation, amalgamation and/or reduction of fire services are increasing trends. In this case two departments are seeking to consolidate into one fire district to increase the number of volunteer firefighters, share equipment and merge services. ...
Agencies share information to protect the elderly from fire
Community Care workers who are aware of vulnerable residents who are hearing impaired or mobility challenged will share that information with the fire service to ensure the best possible response. ...
How earthquakes can impact fire safety in buildings
Damage to building structural elements, elevators, stairs, and fire protection systems caused by the shaking from a major earthquake can play a critical role in the spread of fire and hamper the ability of occupants to evacuate. These are among the conclusions...
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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