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NEWS 
 

Vancouver firefighters issue warning amid increase in battery fires

Firefighters in Vancouver are warning the public about a “dramatic” increase in fires associated with lithium-ion batteries.


Toronto Fire Services maintains accreditation status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International

Toronto Fire Services (TFS) announced it has maintained accreditation status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) following the Commission’s acceptance of its Annual Compliance Report (ACR).


City of Lethbridge committee hears about operational staffing struggles when it comes to fire, EMS

In Alberta, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) has been grappling with operational staffing issues that have been affecting the quality of service it is able to provide, according to Chief Greg Adair.


Quebec coroner calls public inquiry into Montreal firefighter’s drowning

Quebec’s chief coroner is calling a public inquiry into the drowning of a Montreal firefighter last year. Pierre Lacroix, a father of two, died after he was thrown into the St. Lawrence River during a rescue mission in October.
 
SPONSORED SPOTLIGHT 
 
FFIC|Starfield-Lion Company|104252|SS1

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

Innovations in electric vehicle extrication training

Kananaskis Emergency Services has collaborated with a fellow Bow Valley firefighter to bring an innovative electric vehicle training program to the Calgary region and beyond. The program, “Electric Vehicle Extrication,” was developed by Banff firefighter Kevin Patterson and the program’s inaugural delivery was made to a group of 20 students from seven department at the Kananaskis Emergency Services Centre on Feb. 26 with a second sold-out session taking place on March 19 at the facility. The program is the first of its kind, combining the most current information available on new model hybrid and electric vehicles (EV), new vehicle technology and safety systems coupled with a one of a kind opportunity to get hands on with an EV. By Gary Robertson » Read more...
 
F2

Q & A: Mandatory minimum certification for Ontario’s firefighters

On Jan. 28, the Ontario government released a draft regulation to create mandatory minimum certification standards for specific fire protection services. Rob Grimwood, president of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and deputy chief for Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, joined Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast host Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy to discuss details of the proposed new rules and what it means for Ontario’s fire service. Transcribed from Fire Fighting in Canada:The Podcast » Read more...
 
SPONSORED SPOTLIGHT 
 

Firefighter Emotional Wellness: How to Reconnect with Yourself and Others

This book is a training exercise for your heart and mind. It’s an excellent, evidence-based self-help book with boots on the ground sharing interviews with firefighters and how they adapt.

“By sharing personal stories of her clients’ emotional wellness struggles, author Jada Hudson takes away the stigma of talking about things like depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal ideation. Firefighter Emotional Wellness is a must-read for every academy recruit, newlywed, leader, retiree, spouse, and individual who wants to become or remain emotionally well”

» Order your copy today!
 
FEATURED CONTENT 
 

Saving lives through fire reporting

A nation-wide system for reporting fires has been launched as a critical step toward reducing the high toll that fires take on Indigenous communities in Canada. For many years, data from Statistics Canada and other sources has demonstrated that Indigenous people in Canada have a disproportionately higher risk of fire-related injury and death than the rest of the population, yet a lack of comprehensive data on fires in First Nation communities has prevented the development and deployment of effective interventions. By Len Garis and Mandy Desautels » Learn more

Thermal imagers are not without risks

These are unprecedented times for all of us and although fire departments may not be responding to as many structural calls as they are EMS calls, it’s even more important to continue training with their thermal imager (TI) to ensure firefighters stay mentally focused. It’s critical that firefighters keep their TI skills sharp for when a structural fire call does come in because the TI tool could potentially save a life. Let’s look at training firefighters to use the TI safely and the risks that are associated with interpreting what the TI is telling you. By Manfred Kihn » Learn more
 
FIRE FIGHTING IN CANADA: THE PODCAST 
 

The evolution and future of mass notification systems

Tune in to April’s podcast for a conversation on how public alerts have evolved, why radio is still a key player, what the research shows about public reaction to emergency notifications, best practices for crafting your message, why it’s important to know and address your policy hurdles and how GPS plays a role in the next generation of population targeting. Podcast host Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy talks all this and more with Jacob Westfall, chief technology officer with Public Emergency Alerting Services Incorporated (PEASI), a mass notification software company based in Calgary who is the developer of Alertable software. » Listen now
 
Events 
 

BCFTOA Conference

May 14-19, 2022
Location: Salmon Arm, B.C.
» Learn more

AFCA Conference and Trade Show

May 29-31
Location: Red Deer, Alta.
» Learn more

MAFC Conference and Trade Show

June 2-4
Location: Dauphin, Man.
» Learn more