FireWatch

Fire departments often struggle to replace costly trucks and gear, while others have equipment sitting unused. A new platform called Garage is connecting departments across the country to buy and sell used apparatus and tools more easily. Watch to see how this...

Some lawmakers are reconsidering proposals to allow single-exit apartment buildings, but fire service leaders are warning that the design could create dangerous evacuation bottlenecks during emergencies. Firefighters say relying on just one stairwell means residents...

British Columbia is expanding cancer protections for firefighters by adding eight more cancers to the list of illnesses presumed to be caused by the job, giving affected workers faster access to compensation and support. The change will impact more than 15,000...

Strong building and fire safety codes have quietly saved countless lives over the decades, but some states are now weakening them, often framing safety rules as “red tape” that slows housing development. Experts warn that cutting proven protections, such as sprinkler...

A Vancouver startup says it may be able to stop lightning before it strikes, using cloud-seeding technology that releases aluminum-coated fibres into storm clouds. The idea is to reduce lightning-caused wildfires, but scientists say there are still big questions about...

A new study from the University of British Columbia warns that wildfires can affect drinking water supplies for years after the flames are out, as ash, debris and pollutants wash into rivers and reservoirs during storms or snowmelt. Researchers say contamination from...

Volunteer fire departments across New York are warning of a growing staffing crisis, with volunteer numbers dropping to a 40-year low and some departments already shutting down. Leaders say busy schedules, training demands and rising costs make it harder for people to...

A new study shows that wildland fires emit far more air pollution than scientists thought, releasing huge amounts of smoke, soot and greenhouse gases that can affect air quality thousands of kilometres away. These findings could change how experts assess the climate...

The Farmington Fire Department is using a new technology that alerts drivers to approaching emergency vehicles, aiming to reduce collisions and clear the way faster for crews responding to calls. By sending real‑time warnings directly to phones and dashboards, the...

A new federal study finds that while Canada is seeing fewer wildfires overall, the big blazes that do occur are burning much more land and causing significantly more damage than in the past. Researchers say this shift points to longer, hotter fire seasons and tougher...

The Corpus Christi Fire Department is trialling revolutionary helmets with built‑in infrared cameras that let crews actually see through smoke and darkness, a huge advantage when visibility drops to zero. The live video feed also streams back to teams outside, giving...

Many fire departments are doing fewer live‑fire training sessions, and that’s costing firefighters more than just experience. It can affect confidence, decision‑making and safety when the real thing happens. The article explores why hands‑on training is slipping and...

Firefighters’ protective gear can break down over time from UV exposure, even if it looks okay on the outside, and that can weaken the very protection crews depend on in a fire. Proper care and inspection can help extend the life of PPE and keep responders safer on...

Fireground radios are critical, but common reasons they fail when crews need them most include interference, poor battery life, antenna issues, and outdated equipment. Understanding these weak spots can help departments improve communication and safety on the...

Fire chiefs in B.C. are sounding the alarm as FireSmart funding runs low and competition for grants tightens, threatening year‑round wildfire prevention work that helps protect homes and forests from dangerous blazes. Communities that rely on these proactive programs...

The Port Coquitlam Fire Department is launching a first‑of‑its‑kind support dog program to help firefighters, staff and even residents cope with stress and traumatic calls using a specially trained canine. The dog will offer comfort after tough incidents, during...

Phoenix has rolled out an AI‑powered system to handle non‑emergency 911 calls, greeting callers and guiding them through prompts so human dispatchers can focus on life‑threatening emergencies. The tool aims to cut wait times, ease staff stress, and free up resources...

A new fire‑extinguishing agent called Hydrogel can put out flames without using PFAS, “forever chemicals,” aiming to protect both people and the environment. Unlike traditional foams, it contains zero detectable PFAS yet still performs well on common and lithium‑ion...