Fire Fighting in Canada

Oct. 6, 2026, Whitehorse, Yukon — The Yukon government has introduced legislation that would extend presumptive cancer coverage under the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act to wildland firefighters. “Firefighters fight for our communities. Today, the government took a step toward fighting for them with this inclusion of cancer coverage for Yukon’s wildland firefighters,” said Whitehorse Firefighters Association Representative Nicholas O’Carroll.

October 5, 2026 Connecticut manufacturer Packaging And Crating Technologies will be introducing its new solution to lithium-ion battery fires, TR Sleeve, at the National Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan from October 12-15. Photo Credit: Packaging And Crating Technologies Sept.

Sept. 30, 2026, Medina, Ohio – Fire-Dex, a leading manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE for first responders, has introduced the TerraCross Multifunctional Boot, an NFPA 1950-certified boot designed for technical rescue, EMS, and wildland operations. According to Fire-Dex, the TerraCross combines protection, comfort and durability in one boot designed to keep firefighters moving from one response to the next.

As the fire service marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, this article shares an untold story of Canadian firefighters who loaded their gear into personal vehicles and drove straight to New York City to assist. This piece presents a firsthand Q&A with Ottawa firefighters Steve Carmichael and Gord Thorpe as they reflect on their immediate decision to respond.

October 2, 2026 In this episode, host Tom DeSorcy speaks with Wendy McIsaac about the critical need for specialized training in large animal rescue. Wendy shares her personal journey—from experiencing a tragic horse trailer accident to founding Wellington County Livestock Emergency Response—and outlines how first responders can build technical skills, understand animal behaviour, and integrate veterinarians into incident command to ensure successful outcomes.

Sept. 25, 2026, St. John’s, N.L. — A second round of applications are now open for Newfoundland and Labrador Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program funding. An initial investment of approximately $2.26 million is helping 58 communities develop community wildfire resiliency plans and community-based wildfire prevention/mitigation projects.

Corey Brooks, a platoon captain with 30 years of experience in the fire service, reflects on the evolving nature of motivation in firefighting. He emphasizes that motivation is not solely about daily inspiration but about building habits and purpose over time. As responsibilities increase, firefighters must reconnect with their purpose, shift focus from proving themselves to improving skills, and incorporate motivation into daily routines.

September 17, 2026 By Laura Aiken, Editor The complexity of decision-making in high-stakes environments, such as firefighting, is explored in a recent study from the University of Illinois. The research challenges traditional views by suggesting that decision-making involves multiple brain regions rather than being confined to the pre-frontal cortex. Key findings include: The amygdala plays a crucial role in rapid threat evaluation.

August 31, 2026, Vancouver — SenseNet, a leader in ultra-early wildfire detection, prediction, and management, has announced the acquisition of N5 Sensors wildfire business. The strategic transaction brings N5 Sensors’ specialized fire-sensing technologies, hardware expertise, and customer relationships into SenseNet, accelerating the company’s vision to build the world’s most comprehensive wildfire intelligence platform.

The Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust has received money from the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund for projects that help reduce wildfire risk. Photo credit: Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust Sept.