Australia
Vic: CFA knew of potentially deadly water contamination
The CFA was aware of the potential hazard at its main training college for at least 12 years but did nothing to warn firefighters.
Fiskville water: MFB firefighters defer water-based parts of their training course at Fiskville as CFA claim training site water is acceptable.
Highly-toxic CFA training ground Fiskville should be a ghost town.
ACT: Fire service talks escalate
The ACT Government is demanding top level talks with the Commonwealth in its funding row over firefighting services provided to Canberra's national institutions.
Qld: The UFU and United Voice work together
A joint campaign to stop the state government targeting Members' industrial rights and work conditions.
NSW: Households could pay to maintain emergency services
The state government is seeking community feedback on plans for a new tax to fund firefighters, police and ambulance officers.
NT: Firefighters happy as Territory goes crackers
The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Services is happy with cracker night behaviour.
International
USA: Safety alert on SCBA face piece lenses
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued a safety alert on self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) face piece lenses. It is recommending that all SCBA face pieces be inspected before and after each use. Any face piece with thermal degradation, including crack, crazing, bubbling, deformation, discolouring, gaps or holes should be immediately removed from service.
UK: Essex firefighter strike
Fresh impositions and new ‘fast track’ discipline adds fuel to dispute just days before ACAS meetings.
USA: Wildfire early warning possible with space monitoring sensors
FireWatch now protects more than seven million acres of forests around the world from Europe and Australia to Mexico.
USA: Obama praises coordinated response to Colorado fires
The federal government provided firefighters, fire engines and aircraft, including 19 air tankers, to assist in fighting the fires in Colorado and other Western states.
Obama urges support for firefighters.
IAFF surveys Colorado wildfires.
Malaysia: 10 minute response time target
The response time for emergency calls should be no more than 10 minutes if Malaysia is to catch up with world standards.
USA: Romney cut millions for firefighter gear
The item, which was restored by the legislature, provided for $2.5 million in grants to local fire departments for firefighting equipment that would "include, but is not limited to, turnout gear."