Wildfires - News

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the McEwan Fire burning in Mason County, in the US state of Washington. The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator - Willie G. Nunn on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 11:28 p.m. PT. He determined that the McEwan Prairie Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major...

FireScout and Mighty Fire Breaker will join forces to protect the 20-acre TERI Campus of Life. TERI, a San Diego-based nonprofit, has served people with developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other diseases since 1980. Their Campus of Life is a decades-long vision of the founder, Cheryl Kilmer, to serve those people with developmental disabilities and be an integral part of the community, welcoming everyone to enjoy the recreation, fitness, dining, and en...

As the threat of wildfires increases, Ford Motor Company and the Bronco Wild Fund are donating a Bronco Badlands® SUV with Sasquatch® off-road package to the National Park Service for use in Bandelier National Monument, where it will operate a firefighting command vehicle.    fire response and disaster relief “For more than a century Ford has supported fire response and disaster relief efforts by deploying vehicles to provide emergency transportation and power and deliver es...

Kidde, North America’s major home fire safety brand, recently introduced three new HomeSafe™ enabled devices, adding to its comprehensive suite of fully integrated home health and safety product offerings. Connected to the Kidde app by Kidde HomeSafe technology, these additional smart detection products can provide instant notification of home safety threats such as smoke, carbon monoxide (CO) and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. New HomeSafe™ enabled devices At a time when...

This summer, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners are once again teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to deliver cans of emergency drinking water to local fire departments nationwide. Now in its fifth year of partnership, Anheuser-Busch is expanding its reach to provide over 2.5 million cans – more than ever before – to help volunteer fire departments as they prepare for and respond to crises, such as wildfires, as well as long incidents at home. The ini...

ALCHERA X’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Michael Plaksin, was recently interviewed by O.P. Almaraz for an episode of his All Things Wildfire podcast 'Safeguarding Lives and Communities: The Game-Changing AI Technology of ALCHERA X'. In the episode, Almaraz and Plaksin discuss how ALCHERA X, with its groundbreaking wildfire prevention AI technology FireScout, is participating in the prestigious Wildfire XPRIZE competition, ALCHERA X’s collaborative work with the Santa Clara...

ALCHERA X’s AI technology FireScout revolutionizes the fight against wildfires and curbs greenhouse gases. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a groundbreaking technology, promising tremendous advancements across various sectors. However, it can also spark concerns and fear. Artificial Intelligence While some are concerned with the possibility of job displacement or a fictional Skynet taking over the world, AI technology also offers many advantages. Big data analysis, video sur...

Northwest Highland has been given a ‘very high’ warning, while all other areas of Scotland face an ‘extreme’ rating. An increased risk of wildfires begins today (Thursday, 15 June) and runs until Saturday, 17 June – however could be extended further as the warm weather continues. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warns that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage. R...

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has partnered with DripDrop Hydration, PBC, an electrolyte rehydration company, for the fourth year to provide dehydration relief to volunteer firefighters. In 2023, a total of 2,500 boxes (500,000 servings) of DripDrop’s electrolyte drink mix will be given away to 1,250 volunteer fire departments. Each department will receive two 100-count cases. Wildfire season and summer weather put firefighters at risk of dehydration and heat-related injuries...

Mighty Fire Breaker is pleased to announce that its Independent Advisory Board has been joined by Several Retired Fire Officials: Southern California Fire Chief Jeff Bowman, San Bernardino Fire Chief/Marshall Peter Brierty, and Northern California Fire Chief/Marshal Jim Thomson.  These decorated, Retired Fire Officials see the need to add new, second lines of defense in wildfire defense, and MFB's DIY wildfire defense systems to all homes in wildfire regions as well as endorsing the use of...

A ‘very high’ warning for an increased risk of wildfires begins today (Wednesday, 7 June, 2023) and runs until Saturday, 10 June, 2023. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) warns that many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage. risk awareness Station Commander - John Harvey, said, "We know that many people will be hoping to enjoy the outdoors when the weather is good, but we urge everyone...

Mighty Fire Breaker's Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Wildfire Defense System (WFDS), if added to more of the homes at risk in mapped wildfire regions of the U.S., could have a significant and positive impact on the Homeowner's Insurance Industry Crisis. In fact, this positive impact could help bring Allstate and State Farm back to California. In recent days, both Allstate and State Farm announced they will no longer issue new homeowner's insurance coverage anywhere in California, creating an insurance cr...

Mighty Fire Breaker's Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Wildfire Defense System (WFDS), if added to more of the homes at risk in mapped wildfire regions of the U.S., could have a significant and positive impact on the Homeowner's Insurance Industry Crisis. In fact, this positive impact could help bring Allstate and State Farm back to California. In recent days, both Allstate and State Farm announced they will no longer issue new homeowner's insurance coverage anywhere in California, creating an insurance cr...

May has been declared National Wildfire Awareness Month in 10 western states to increase prevention and preparedness for wildfires throughout the country. Ready campaign In 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched the Ready campaign to provide resources on wildfires, including information on recognizing warnings and alerts, making an emergency plan, strengthening home protection, and gathering supplies.   ALCHERA X, a global pioneer in AI software to detect wildfires, suppo...

Crews are working to dampen down the area and will remain at Cannich, near Inverness until the area is made safe. The burn area covers approximately fifteen square kilometers (approx. 1,500 hectares). At its height, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) mobilized nine appliances and a number of other resources to bring the fire under control. The emergency response included the use of helicopters to water bomb the affected area. Impacted on the rural community SFRS Group Commander - Nia...

A wildfire warning that has been in place since Friday, 26 May has been extended across many parts of Scotland until Monday, 5 June. The warning, which has been graded as ‘very high’ as the warm weather forecast continues, covers the majority of East, Central and Southern Scotland. The ongoing wildfire at Cannich near Inverness is entering its fourth day, after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was alerted on Sunday, 28 May at 12.46 pm. Firefighters had previously att...

Security and fire safety specialist, Amthal is proud to announce that it can now offer extended accredited CPD seminars in visual surveillance systems and access control, alongside life safety. The carefully curated, accredited CPD seminars are designed to help professionals keep up-to-date with the latest technology and expectations for compliance with the latest standards, as well as improve their knowledge and skills. Amthal extends CPD Accredited Course Portfolio Essential for maintaining...

At this time of year, there is still a build-up of dead grass and heather left over from last year which can dry very quickly as temperatures increase and pose a heightened risk of fire. People who live, work, or visit rural areas are being urged to exercise caution over the next few days. The very high warning – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remains in place until Monday, 29 May, 2023. This covers East, Central, and Southern Scotland. High intens...

A fire that started on Marsden Moor is still ongoing as firefighters battle to stop the blaze from spreading.  West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is still in attendance and has sent in relief crew to the site at Wessenden Lodge, Wessenden Road, Marsden. burnt area Currently, the burnt area measures around 2 km square, and crews are tackling hotspots where there are burning embers that could reignite the dry grass. Crews from Rastrick and Hunslet are in attendance with the Tod...

The Big Bear Fire Department has a new way to report illegal fireworks. The new Illegal Firework Reporting System offers an easy and anonymous way to report the use and sale of personal fireworks. Anyone can now go on to the Department’s website or simply scan a QR Code and anonymously report the use or sales of illegal fireworks by completing a simple online reporting form. Fire Department Investigators will respond promptly to the reported location where fireworks are currently in use,...

Mighty Fire Breaker's Retail Store rollout started in Sonoma County in the towns of Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, and Ukiah, where the Tubbs Fire of 2017 killed 22 people, destroyed 5,000, and caused billions of dollars in losses. MFB delivering a product to a store in El Dorado County, where the Caldor Wildfire of 2020 destroyed over 1,000 homes in Grizzly Flats. It is also delivering to a store in Murphy, an old Gold Rush town that is close to where the Dixie Fire of 2021 destroyed most of th...

Mighty Fire Breaker's Retail Store rollout started in Sonoma County in the towns of Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, and Ukiah, where the Tubbs Fire of 2017 killed 22 people, destroyed 5000 and caused billions of dollars in losses. This week, (MFB) delivered products to a store in El Dorado County, where the Caldor Wildfire of 2020 destroyed over 1,000 homes in Grizzly Flats. Also delivering to a store in Murphy, an old Gold Rush town that is close to where the Dixie Fire of 2021 destroyed most of...

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announces the launch of the modernization effort to develop a new, interoperable fire information and analytics platform, known as the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), for the American fire and emergency services. This effort is being carried out as a partnership between USFA and the US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) The goal...

Crowds were given the chance to meet emergency service workers and see the vital work they do to keep the people of Yorkshire safe.  Emergency Services Day at The Piece Hall in Halifax on Sunday saw hundreds of people getting an insight into the work of 999 staff, including firefighters, police, and ambulance crews. Road traffic collision equipment The event saw West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) join forces with West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambul...

ALCHERA X attended the launch of XPRIZE Wildfire, a 4-year global competition aimed to award $11 million in prize funding to teams that can develop and demonstrate fully autonomous capabilities to detect and extinguish wildfires. The event took place in Washington, DC, during Earth Week 2023. Destructive wildfires have recently been recognized by the United Nations, the White House, and Congress as a major economic, environmental, and safety issue. Extreme wildfire events Extreme wildfire eve...

The fire at Manchester Road near Slaithwaite currently covers an estimated 2 km square of land. People are being advised to stay away from the area, and not to walk on the part of the Pennine Way which is close to the fire. Dozens of calls were made to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) at around 1.30 pm and three fire engines were in attendance with four wildfire units. The specialist wildfire Polaris vehicle has also been deployed to help tackle the blaze and prevent it from sprea...

Seek Thermal Inc., a renowned global provider of thermal imaging technology, has announced the launch of its latest firefighting TIC, the AttackPRO+.  Building upon the success of the AttackPRO, which offers an unmatched combination of image quality, durability, and affordability in a decision-making thermal camera, the new AttackPRO+ now provides all the same benefits with the added NFPA 1801:2021 certification. AttackPRO+ - most affordable NFPA-certified TIC The AttackPRO+ stands out i...

The fires that lit up vast areas of Marsden Moor last Thursday are being investigated as arson. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is working with West Yorkshire Police to get to the bottom of these crimes that caused damage to areas of moorland and wildlife. Risk of wildfires Richard Hawley, temporary group manager and WYFRS’s lead wildfire officer said: “We are working with the police to try and identify the people responsible for these horrific fires and bring them t...

Crews were called to fires in Marsden as meters of moorland went up in flames at two different sites.  Fire crews from Slaithwaite, Meltham, Rastrick, Halifax, and Cleckheaton attended along with wildfire crews from Todmorden, Keighley, and Skelmanthorpe to tackle the first blaze off Old Mount Road. moorland fire They were called at around 3.50 pm to the moorland fire which measured around 1.5 km by 500 meters. Firefighters used blowers, beaters, Landrovers, Polaris, and water relays to...

Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC have partnered to provide volunteer fire departments with canned drinking water to keep firefighters hydrated during wildfires and other long incidents. To date, 6.5 million cans of water have been distributed to more than 1,400 departments across nearly all 50 states. Another 1.5 million cans of water will be distributed this year. The 2023 general application period is now closed, but departments in declared wildfire emergencies can still request water...