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NEWS 
 

Fires in Western Canada creating own weather systems, experts say

A combination of intense heat and drought conditions is causing wildfires in Western Canada to generate their own weather systems, experts say.


Doctors, air pollution experts forecast worsening health effects of wildfire smoke

Health experts warn that a shift in mindset and new solutions are needed as exposure to smoke from bigger wildfires becomes a regular occurrence.


Study on hypertension in U.S. firefighters points to need for increased screening

Recent research examined the prevalence of hypertension in male and female firefighters in America, with the results suggesting a need for better screening and management of high blood pressure.


Magnifying effect sparks highrise fire in Vancouver

A fire on the roof of a Vancouver highrise under construction appears to have been caused by sunlight being magnified by a curved wall of windows. CTV News reports.
 
SPONSORED SPOTLIGHT 
 
Starfield

Starfield LION Comfort, Safety, Mobility, INNOVATION.

Starfield LION has a legacy and ongoing history of introducing new products and services which are always designed to ensure the health, safety and performance of the first responders who serve our communities and our country. Starfield LION’s game-changing PPE innovations are designed to best prepare firefighters, EMS teams and law enforcement officers for the dangers and hazards they face each day. For decades, Starfield LION has been the industry leader in the fight against firefighter stress by incorporating innovative design features and materials to deliver the most natural, least restrictive movement possible.

From bunker gear, to helmets and gloves, Starfield LION offers a full line of PPE solutions to fit your department’s needs. As we continue to develop new and enhance existing PPE products and services, our primary goal remains the same: To keep you safe and always.... » Learn more
 
CURRENT ISSUE 
 
F1

Volunteer Vision: When preparation meets opportunity

People come up with a plethora of reasons why firefighters were successful and end it with the observation that we were lucky. I go away from these conversations always thinking that luck really doesn’t have much to do with it. I’m not a large believer in luck when it comes to fire fighting. Even though I use the term many times, if we stop and think about it luck has absolutely nothing to do with outcomes, especially in fire fighting scenarios. Sure there are times when we feel luck has played a part in our success, but I view luck as one of two types of scenarios. By Vince MacKenzie » Read more...
 
F2

Comment: A climate of concern

Vaccines are doing their job and hopes run high that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. What lies ahead appears no less urgent or menacing. The Canadian government’s recent report on climate change showed communities of all sizes across the country are being affected by global warming through wildfires, floods, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting ice and permafrost. By Laura Aiken » Read more...
 
SPONSORED SPOTLIGHT 
 
Breton SmarTek

Find Fires. And Firefighters.

As the chief of your fire department, you’ve built redundancy into all the tasks and procedures that guide your operations…

Except for how you alert your first responders about an emergency.

You rely on VHF pagers, which
  • are limited in range
  • and often forgotten at home

Plus, they’re one-way only, which means you can’t signal that you’re on your way.

FireQ offers you complete redundancy by simultaneously relaying your incident information to firefighters by
  • text,
  • phone,
  • email,
  • and push notifications.

Watch our video to learn more or view all FireQ features.
 
FROM THE ARCHIVES 
 

Dry lightning: Part 1

On base, as part of the Penticton Initial Attack three-man wildfire crew, I sharpen my chainsaw. It’s dry and hot on this day — July 17, 2018. On the tarmac, a usually reliable Eurocopter “A-Star B2” five-seat helicopter is ready to fly at a moment’s notice. By Jade Portwood » Learn more

Dry lightning: Part 2

A typical day on a Penticton Initial Attack Wildfire base has turned chaotic as an unforeseen dry lightning storm dances its way up the Okanagan Valley, igniting dry timber. Precious seconds tick by as seven Initial Attack crews disperse in trucks and helicopters to catch fires in their infancy. By Jade Portwood » Learn more
 
FIRE FIGHTING IN CANADA: THE PODCAST 
 

Better communication with body language

Jennifer Grigg, whose career in the fire service spans 30 years and has expanded to include being a certified body language coach, joins host Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy for a conversation on developing soft skills through the study of body language, which Grigg used to overcome anxiety. Grigg and DeSorcy talk about body language awareness in interviews, developing follow up questions based on body language, how vocal tone, voice and cadence plays into recognizing stress and why it’s important to pay special attention to the mouth. » Listen now
 
Events 
 

FDIC International

August 02 – 07, 2021
Location: Virtual
» Learn more

CAFC Fire Rescue Canada 2021

September 13-14, 2021
Location: Virtual
» Learn more

OAFC 2021 Virtual Conference and Trade Show

September 21-23, 2021
Location: Virtual
» Learn more