Fleur Lombard, a female UK firefigher who was burned to death in 1996 paved the way for new research and understanding of the need for specialized turnout gear for women.

Firefighter´s Line of Duty Deaths News

News Archive

2025

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons License On August 31, 2012 a long filament of solar material that had been hovering in the sun's atmosphere, the corona, erupted out into space at 4:36 p.m. EDT. The coronal mass ejection, or CME, traveled at over 900 miles per second. The CME did not travel directly toward Earth, but did connect with Earth's magnetic environment, or magnetosphere, causing aurora to appear on the night of Monday, September 3.

First ever Solar Storm Emergency Drill showed significant weaknesses in Disaster Preparedness

Unlike localized disasters, a worst case scenario for a solar storm affects every aspect of modern l...

First ever Solar Storm Emergency Drill showed significant weaknesses in Disaster Preparedness

Firefighter with 39 years of service among those killed in storms across several US states

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 19 people died in his state, with most fatalities occurring in Laurel County, about 130 miles southeast of Louisville. Seven people were killed in Missouri, while Virginia reported two deaths.

Firefighter with 39 years of service among those killed in storms across several US states

Picture credit: Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service

Two firefighters died in an industrial fire in Oxfordshire

The fire at Bicester Motion forced the evacuation of workers from several businesses specializing in...

Two firefighters died in an industrial fire in Oxfordshire

Hearing at the EU parliament in early May 2025.

CTIF leadership discussed volunteer firefighting issues with the EU in Brussels

The Working time Directive and cross border cooperation were some of the main topics of this hearing...

CTIF leadership discussed volunteer firefighting issues with the EU in Brussels

Milan Dubravac presenting at the METRO Fire Chiefs Conference in spring 2025.

CTIF president Milan Dubravac spoke at the METRO Conference

By connecting firefighting organizations around the world, we can face these challenges more success...

CTIF president Milan Dubravac spoke at the METRO Conference

This image is the Mankato EF5 tornado which occurred on March 21, 2025. This is a fictional tornado, from the EAS Scenario "Hit Twice". This scenario is on YouTube, created by ImSharkius. Date 5 May 2024 Source Own work Author WXSharkius

Local governments denied recovery aid after tornadoes killed 42 people in 8 US states and left wide ...

The denial of disaster aid aligns with executive orders signed by Trump, aiming to transfer disaster...

Local governments denied recovery aid after tornadoes killed 42 people in 8 US states and left wide spread destruction

Illustration Credit: Copernicus. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1940-_October_global_average_temperature_changes.svg

2024 was Europe’s warmest year on record - brought unprecedented glacial melting and extreme weather

The year brought stark contrasts: Record heatwaves and drought plagued the east, while the west face...

2024 was Europe’s warmest year on record - brought unprecedented glacial melting and extreme weather

Wikipedia Creative Commons License. Centretown is a neighbourhood in Somerset Ward, in central Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. By Matti Blume - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67973462

Fire authorities concerned as North American cities consider single egress stair cases in 6 storey b...

While cities attempt to address the housing crisis, fire experts are concerned about resident safety...

Fire authorities concerned as North American cities consider single egress stair cases in 6 storey buildings

Fire destroyed the largest recycling facility in Paris

31 people were inside the 12,000-square-meter building when the fire started, but no injuries have been reported.

Fire destroyed the largest recycling facility in Paris

Indian Navy officials loading INS Satpura and INS Savitri with 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid under Operation Brahma, heading for the Port of Yangon. By Government of India - https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1905922454863716544/photo/3, GODL-India, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162955676

Death tolls climbs in the thousands after the earthquake in Myanmar

19 are reported to have been killed in Thailand and upper estimates say as many as around 3000 were ...

Death tolls climbs in the thousands after the earthquake in Myanmar

Two Italian skiers died in remote Swedish ski resort when avalanche swept away helicopter

The two victims were taken to hospital, but it is with deep sorrow that we confirm that their lives could not be saved, CEO Johan Lindblom wrote in a press release.

Two Italian skiers died in remote Swedish ski resort when avalanche swept away helicopter

Remains of the night club. Public Domain photo by By Toshe Ognjanov - https://mk.voanews.com/a/padnati-delovi-od-pokrivot-peplosana-vnatreshnost-mala-vrata-na-mestoto-na-pozharot-vo-kochani/8011935.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162205746

59 people or more killed and 150 injured in night club fire in North Macedonia

Due to the large number of injuries, many victims are now being treated in hospitals in other parts ...

59 people or more killed and 150 injured in night club fire in North Macedonia

Wikipedia Commons License. Tornado 149 languages Add topic 1 ⁄ 28 More details F5 tornado (upgraded from initial estimate of F4) viewed from the southeast as it approached Elie, Manitoba on Friday, June 22nd, 2007. Justin Hobson (Justin1569 at English Wikipedia)

42 dead in a series of tornadoes and storms in seven US states - 140 mph / 225 kmph peak winds

Since Friday, the Storm Prediction Center has recorded 75 preliminary reports of tornadoes spanning ...

42 dead in a series of tornadoes and storms in seven US states - 140 mph / 225 kmph peak winds

A rescue operation during the September 2024 Austrian floods. Photo by: NÖ Landesfeuerwehrkommando

36,000 more calls in 2024: Austria’s firefighters are stronger and more effective than ever

The newly released 2024 firefighter statistics highlight a record-breaking year for Austria’s fire s...

36,000 more calls in 2024: Austria’s firefighters are stronger and more effective than ever

Wikipedia Commons License The Rathaus (Town Hall) is a building in Vienna which serves as the seat both of the mayor and city council of the city of Vienna. Date of photo: June 2015 Author: Mattias Hill

Vienna had one of its driest winters on record 2024-25: dry soil brings elevated forest fire risks

Precipitation levels were approximately 70% below average. The Hohe Warte weather station recorded o...

Vienna had one of its driest winters on record 2024-25: dry soil brings elevated forest fire risks

Photo credit: The Grenfell tower fire on June 14, 2017. Wikipedia Commons License

7 organizations banned from public bidding in the UK in response to the deadly 2017 Grenfell fire

These organizations include manufacturers of cladding and insulation materials, as well as contracto...

7 organizations banned from public bidding in the UK in response to the deadly 2017 Grenfell fire

Two Nova Scotia volunteer fire chiefs banned after a deadly collision between a fire truck and a sno...

Also, a FDNY firefighter was recently charged with manslaughter for killing a 23-year old driver in ...

Two Nova Scotia volunteer fire chiefs banned after a deadly collision between a fire truck and a snowmobiler - two recent DUIs charges in the US involving firefighters

The Magdalena Valley fire ignited in late January and had charred more than 15,000 hectares (58 square miles) of Lanín National Park as of February 10. The forested park, located in Argentina, shares a border with Villarrica National Park in Chile. Both parks share the two snowcapped dormant volcanoes pictured here: Lanín and Quetrupillán.

Record-breaking heatwaves affect South America in 2025 - new large wildfires in Chile and Argentina

After a catastrophic wildfire year in 2024, heatwaves and droughts continue to create wildfire condi...

Record-breaking heatwaves affect South America in 2025 - new large wildfires in Chile and Argentina

Finish forest. Wikipedia Commons License. Suomi: Suomalaista metsää Español: Bosque en Finlandia English: Finnish forest Deutsch: Wald in Finnland Italiano: Foresta in Finlandia Français : Forêt en Finlande Svenska: Forest i Finland Русский: Лес в Финляндии Date 5 July 2015, 20:30:43 Source Own work Author Santeri Viinamäki Camera location 63° 15′ 29.15″ N, 23° 47′ 28.85″ E Kartographer map based on OpenStreetMap.

Finnish forests are no longer carbon negative since 2021 - Canada's forests have emitted more CO2 th...

This change in Finnish forests, which was confirmed by a recent report, has been attributed to incre...

Finnish forests are no longer carbon negative since 2021 - Canada's forests have emitted more CO2 than they absorb since 1990

Six dead and 25 injured at construction site fire in South Korea

Emergency responders evacuated approximately 100 workers from the site, with 14 individuals rescued via helicopter after seeking refuge on the rooftop.

Six dead and 25 injured at construction site fire in South Korea

State of Emergency in Greece after thousands of earthquakes on Santorino

Since the onset of the earthquake swarm, more than 6,000 seismic events have been recorded in the Aegean Sea, with several reaching a magnitude of over 4.0. On February 6, a fresh wave of tremors was reported, with seven earthquakes occurring.

State of Emergency in Greece after thousands of earthquakes on Santorino

Grenfell Tower to be demolished after 8 years of being wrapped in a protective cover

The fire, blamed on faulty wiring and flammable cladding, highlighted concerns about inequality in the UK. The higher levels of the tower are structurally unsound. The building symbolizes Britain's worst residential fire since WWII.

Grenfell Tower to be demolished after 8 years of being wrapped in a protective cover

Increased bombings in Swedish residential blocks - school shooting in Örebro kills ten

Baltic Sea Cable Damage: On January 26, 2025, a cargo ship named Vezhen accidentally damaged a subsea cable linking Sweden and Latvia. The incident was attributed to a combination of bad weather, equipment deficiencies, and poor seamanship.

Increased bombings in Swedish residential blocks - school shooting in Örebro kills ten

Japan: 82 dead in Tokyo house fires during 2024

A series of house fires occurred in Tokyo, mainly on its Pacific Ocean side, due to dry air causing fires to spread quickly. The Tokyo Fire Department reported a total of 82 deaths due to house fires in Tokyo last year with 30 deaths in Nov and Dec alone.

Japan: 82 dead in Tokyo house fires during 2024

Train derailment, apartment fire and warehouse fire in Norway in January 2025

A major road traffic accident occurred on the E6 highway near Trondheim, resulting in multiple injuries. A train derailed near Stavanger, causing delays. A large fire engulfed a warehouse in Bergen, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents.

Train derailment, apartment fire and warehouse fire in Norway in January 2025

From an idea by Bjorn Ulfsson, CTIF, executed by MS Co-Pilot.

News from our Member States: A new category of brief reporting on CTIF.org

These brief reports will be as comprehensive as possible with our resources. Many of these stories w...

News from our Member States: A new category of brief reporting on CTIF.org

Wildfires, fires and accidents in Central and South America the first few weeks of 2025

Amazon Rainforest Fires (Brazil): The Amazon has experienced a severe fire season, with fires starting in early January 2025. Despite a reduction in deforestation rates, fires have increased due to extreme drought conditions.

Wildfires, fires and accidents in Central and South America the first few weeks of 2025

Challenges Facing Firefighters in 2025: Health, Working Conditions, and Urban Wildfire Interface

Firefighters around the world face numerous challenges, from battling increasingly intense wildfires...

Challenges Facing Firefighters in 2025: Health, Working Conditions, and Urban Wildfire Interface

HazMat fires, tram accident and Paris City Hall fires in France, January 2025

A fire broke out at a retirement home in Bouffémont, near Paris, resulting in three fatalities and eight injuries. The fire is believed to have started in a laundry room and spread to the third floor. Around 140 firefighters were deployed.

HazMat fires, tram accident and Paris City Hall fires in France, January 2025

Five fireworks deaths, attacks on first responders and warehouse fire in Germany, January 2025

Fatalities and Injuries: At least five individuals lost their lives due to fireworks-related accidents during New Year celebrations. Numerous injuries were reported, with some incidents involving illegal or modified pyrotechnics.

Five fireworks deaths, attacks on first responders and warehouse fire in Germany, January 2025

Av Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-H27992 / Sönnke, Hans / CC-BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5434070

Fire & Rescue in the Rear View Mirror: 9400 people died in the sinking of M/S Wilhem Gustloff in 194...

On January 30, 1945, the German military transport ship Wilhelm Gustloff was sunk in the Baltic Sea....

Fire & Rescue in the Rear View Mirror: 9400 people died in the sinking of M/S Wilhem Gustloff in 1945

Fire & Rescue News from Denmark, January 2025

On January 2, 2025, the 154-meter long ro-ro cargo vessel Glyvursnes caught fire while berthed at Hirtshals, Denmark. The fire broke out in the engine room, and the local fire brigade was able to contain the blaze within an hour.

Fire & Rescue News from Denmark, January 2025

Fire and Rescue News from Canada, January 2025

A large fire broke out in a warehouse in Vancouver, BC on January 15, 2025. The fire spread rapidly, causing extensive damage to the building and nearby structures. Over 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire.

Fire and Rescue News from Canada, January 2025

Fire & Rescue News from Korea, January 2025

A large fire broke out in a commercial building in Seongnam, South Korea. Dozens of people were rescued and evacuated from the building, and over 100 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze.

Fire & Rescue News from Korea, January 2025

Fire & Rescue News from Bulgaria, January 2025

On January 16, 2025, a serious railway accident occurred near the village of Lokorsko in the Sofia region. Two freight trains collided, causing a fire and resulting in significant damage. Two people lost their lives.

Fire & Rescue News from Bulgaria, January 2025

Group photo of Austrian training team, 2025

Austria's Fire Brigades Intensify Nationwide Training

In 2024 the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association initiated a sustainable development of fire se...

Austria's Fire Brigades Intensify Nationwide Training

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License Volunteers cleaning the streets of the city of Sedavi, near Valencia. Date: 2 November 2024, 12:57:03 Source: Own work Author: Pacopac

Death toll added up to more than 200 in the Valencia floods and countless millions of Euros in damag...

The aftermath left streets submerged, vehicles swept away, and significant damage to infrastructure....

Death toll added up to more than 200 in the Valencia floods and countless millions of Euros in damages

The first drops of rain in ten months came in LA on January 25.

Finally after ten months of drought: rain helps LA firefighters - but also the risk of mudslides and...

As of Saturday, January 25, 2025, Los Angeles is experiencing its first significant rainfall of the ...

Finally after ten months of drought: rain helps LA firefighters - but also the risk of mudslides and toxic runoffs

Death toll in Polish coal mine methane explosion has risen to three - 13 injured

On January 22, 2025, a significant incident occurred at the Knurow-Szczyglowice coal mine in southern Poland. At approximately 850 meters below ground, methane gas ignited, leading to a fire that resulted in injuries to 16 miners. Among them, nine suffere

Death toll in Polish coal mine methane explosion has risen to three - 13 injured

One dead and one million without power after powerful Storm Éowyn swept in over the British Isles

In Galway, located on Ireland's west coast, wind speeds reached over 50 meters per second (approximately 180 km/h), marking the strongest winds ever recorded in the country. A man in Donegal, Ireland lost his life when a tree fell onto his car,

One dead and one million without power after powerful Storm Éowyn swept in over the British Isles

Rare winter storm killed at least 11 people in the US - almost a foot of snow in New Orleans

A rare winter storm has swept across the southern United States, bringing unprecedented snowfall and record-low temperatures to several states along the Gulf Coast. The severe weather has led to at least 11 fatalities and numerous power outages.

Rare winter storm killed at least 11 people in the US - almost a foot of snow in New Orleans

Milan Dubravac speaking at the #OneBillionResidence initiative in Dubai

CTIF spoke at #OneBillionReadiness Round Table Conference in Dubai - One Billion residents will be t...

Last week the Dubai Civil defence hosted a round table conference following COP28 activities on worl...

CTIF spoke at #OneBillionReadiness Round Table Conference in Dubai - One Billion residents will be trained worldwide

Still photo from a video by the Turkish Fire Services

Hotel fire in northern Turkey killed 76 and injured 50 people at ski resort - death toll expected to...

Around half the hotel guests were either killed or injured in the fire, which is now under investiga...

Hotel fire in northern Turkey killed 76 and injured 50 people at ski resort - death toll expected to rise

https://www.goodfon.com/men/wallpaper-download-1440x900-pole-dance-muscles-herculaneum-figure.html

Firefighter Takes Up Pole Dancing: "The Most Fun I've Ever Had"

A 50 + firefighter in Sweden has come up with a new way to stay in shape: Pole dancing: - Being mock...

Firefighter Takes Up Pole Dancing: "The Most Fun I've Ever Had"

2024 is expected to be the warmest year on record

Scientists attribute this rise in temperatures to the ongoing effects of climate change, as well as the anticipated influence of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which typically leads to increased global temperatures.

2024 is expected to be the warmest year on record

Tom Van Esbroeck, Belgium, is the new Treasurer for CTIF from 2025!

Tom Van Esbroeck from CTIF Belgium comes into the position with a wealth of experience, both during ...

Tom Van Esbroeck, Belgium, is the new Treasurer for CTIF from 2025!

By China News Service, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157605573

Extreme urgency in minus 18 C for the 14,000 rescuers in Tibet searched for 400 earthquake victims t...

On January 7, 2025 a powerful earthquake struck the Shigatse region near Mount Everest, resulting in...

Extreme urgency in minus 18 C for the 14,000 rescuers in Tibet searched for 400 earthquake victims trapped under rubble

ISO 17840 compliant Rescue Sheet for a bus

Rescue sheets for trucks and buses are now integrated in the Eurorescue app

A specific button to choose between cars and trucks/ buses has been added. All rescue sheets for eve...

Rescue sheets for trucks and buses are now integrated in the Eurorescue app

Driver of deadly New Orleans pick up truck opened fire at emergency crews and police

At least 14 people died, and around 30 were injured after a vehicle plowed into New Year’s celebrators on Bourbon Street, New Orleans. The attack occurred at 3:15 a.m., night to New Years Day, local time, shortly before the Sugar Bowl event.

Driver of deadly New Orleans pick up truck opened fire at emergency crews and police

Las Vegas Tesla Cyber Truck explosion caused by external means and not by electrical or battery issu...

Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. The FBI is also exploring possible connections between this explosion and a separate attack in New Orleans on the same day.

Las Vegas Tesla Cyber Truck explosion caused by external means and not by electrical or battery issues

Tens of Thousands have been protesting for weeks in Belgrade after deadly roof collapse

For over seven weeks, nationwide demonstrations have been held following the incident in Novi Sad, a city in northern Serbia. The protest just before Christmas opened with 15 minutes of silence - one minute for each deadly victim.

Tens of Thousands have been protesting for weeks in Belgrade after deadly roof collapse

2024

CTIF wishes all members a Safe & Merry Holiday Season 2024-25!

The holiday season marks a short break in our regular activities, but as a member you can always rea...

CTIF wishes all members a Safe & Merry Holiday Season 2024-25!

Man smoking in bed while on medical oxygen. From an idea by Bjorn Ulfsson, CTIF, executed by Chat GPT.

US authorities warn against smoking while on medical oxygen after explosive fire destroyed a home

The investigation, which involved several local agencies, uncovered smoking materials and medical ox...

US authorities warn against smoking while on medical oxygen after explosive fire destroyed a home

Newsflash illustration for CTIF News 2024

Highlights from CTIF Summer and Fall 2024

The holiday season marks a short break in our regular activities. However, as a member you can alway...

Highlights from CTIF Summer and Fall 2024

The European parliament building in Brussels.

The European Parliament creates the civil protection intergroup “Resilience, Disaster Management and...

Grégory Allione, the first firefighter elected as an MEP is pleased to announce the creation of the ...

The European Parliament creates the civil protection intergroup “Resilience, Disaster Management and Civil Protection"

By Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-1990-0414-009 / Wolfried Pätzold / CC-BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5425468

As many as 135 people may have been killed in the New Guinea soccer stadium stampede

Government officials previously said 56 were killed following fan clashes at Nzerekore stadium on Su...

As many as 135 people may have been killed in the New Guinea soccer stadium stampede

Human vs natural causes of Climate Change

What is "natural" climate change vs "human" driven climate change?

Copernicus and CTIF.org report that forest fires can release hundreds of times more CO2 than the hum...

What is "natural" climate change vs "human" driven climate change?

Demonstrations and public anger in Valencia about government response to flooding

On Saturday November 9th,over 130,000 people demonstrated in Valencia, protesting the authorities&#0...

Demonstrations and public anger in Valencia about government response to flooding

Volcano eruption at Fagradalsfjall next to Litli-Hrútur in Iceland in 2023 captured from up close with a drone by Giles Laurent.

Popular thermal bath facility on Iceland damaged by volcanic eruption

Iceland’s renowned Blue Lagoon, a popular travel destination, was closed and evacuated on Thursday a...

Popular thermal bath facility on Iceland damaged by volcanic eruption

Low water level at the Yesa reservoir. By 1 October 2016. Author: Basotxerri. Wikipedia Commons License.

Spain faces the dual extremes of the climate crisis: drought and flooding

Between severe droughts and catastrophic floods: recent extreme weather events have left communities...

Spain faces the dual extremes of the climate crisis: drought and flooding

Chilean firefighter receives award for raw and up close POV helmet cam video

The video, captured by Joseth Abel Espinosa of the Third Fire Company of Ñuñoa, showcases the life-t...

Chilean firefighter receives award for raw and up close POV helmet cam video

The effect of CO2 on climate warming and in turn causing issues for firefighters. Illustration from an idea by Bjorn Ulfsson, executed by Chat GPT.

Warming may have reached a self reinforcing stage - CO2 levels higher than in 3 million years

Over the past two decades, carbon dioxide levels have risen by more than 11%, faster than at any oth...

Warming may have reached a self reinforcing stage - CO2 levels higher than in 3 million years

By Mishyac - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=154815491

14 dead when a train station collapsed in northern Serbia

Local media reported that over 30 people were injured in the incident. Nearly 80 rescuers were depl...

14 dead when a train station collapsed in northern Serbia

Wikipedia Commons Licence. Akatani River was overflowed by the Northern Kyūshū Heavy Rain in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture on July 7, 2017.

Hurricane Season 2024: Six dead and several missing after Japan floods in September - 200,000 were u...

The cities of Wajima and Suzu are still recovering from a devastating earthquake on January 1. The t...

Hurricane Season 2024: Six dead and several missing after Japan floods in September - 200,000 were urged to evacuate in November

An illustration shows the inside of a potential submerged floating tunnel that would be used to cross a fjord in Norway.P hoto by Norwegian Public Roads Administration P

Tunnel fire in Singapore effectively extinguished by sprinklers

The KPE tunnel, a 9km-long expressway, is equipped with fire safety features, including overhead wat...

Tunnel fire in Singapore effectively extinguished by sprinklers

Wikipedia Commons License. By Eidursson - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=154668033

Over 200 dead in Spain floods - 10,000 called in from the army to help in the aftermath

Southern and eastern Spain has been hit by severe flooding. Vehicles have been swept away, houses...

Over 200 dead in Spain floods - 10,000 called in from the army to help in the aftermath

Fictional image of a oil tank fire. From an idea by by Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF, executed by Chat GPT.

Firefighters among the more than 20 injured in the La Salina oil terminal fire in Venezuela

According to videos reviewed by Reuters, two explosions along with intense heat compromised the tank...

Firefighters among the more than 20 injured in the La Salina oil terminal fire in Venezuela

Deutsch: Stadtallendorf im Jahr 2004, fotografiert aus Richtung Westen. Im Foto zu sehen: Das Industriegebiet DAG mit dem Ferrero-Werk in der Bildmitte, der alte Ortskern ganz hinten, die Herrenwaldkaserne am rechten oberen Bildrand. Auf dem Foto wird die von großen Waldflächen durchzogene Bebauung deutlich. Date 26 June 2004 Source Self-photographed Author Pazzee at German Wikipedia

Multi million euro fire station destroyed in a fire - lacked fire alarm

- It is a nightmare for a firefighter. No one wants to have to extinguish his own fire station, the ...

Multi million euro fire station destroyed in a fire - lacked fire alarm

Firefighters demonstrating on a bridge. Illustration by Bjorn Ulfsson, executed by Chat GPT.

Finnish firefighters invited all to a world wide Silent Protest on October 16 - against drunk drivi...

Mikko Saastamoinen was a well-known developer of road safety and road rescue in Finland and internat...

Finnish firefighters invited all to a world wide Silent Protest on October 16 - against drunk driving and in honour of fallen comrade Mikko Saastamoinen

Photo by NASA Johnson. 257 miles above the Gulf of Mexico, an external camera on the International Space Station captured this image of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm packing winds of 175 miles an hour at the time of this photograph, and its well-defined eye.

Hurricane Milton 2024 killed at least 16 people in Florida - but the storm turned out less severe th...

Hurricane Milton turned out not as destructive as feared, however, at least 1are 6 dead.

Hurricane Milton 2024 killed at least 16 people in Florida - but the storm turned out less severe than many feared

Photo Credit: EU Response to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina floods in 2014 Pictures from a Slovenian helicopter crew as they provide assistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 19, 2014) Flickr Commons License

State of Emergency and many dead in Bosnia after flooding and landslides

Flash floods and landslides have resulted in at least 21fatalities. Many towns and villages have bee...

State of Emergency and many dead in Bosnia after flooding and landslides

Wikipedia Commons License The Florida National Guard cleaning damage in Keaton Beach, Florida, following Hurricane Helene. Photo by the National Guard.

Death count from Hurricane Helene 2024 reaches 200 people - $100 billion or more in estimated econo...

Hundreds of roads remain closed, thousands are still without power, and dozens of water treatment pl...

Death count from Hurricane Helene 2024 reaches 200 people - $100 billion or more in estimated economic losses

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License Old City Hall, at Springfield, Ohio, United States. Date: 14 October 2007, 23:22 Source https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858864@N00/1580074910/ Author: Cindy Funk

Unproven allegations of 'pet eating' caused mayor to declare a State of Emergency in small US town

Several bomb threats and racist pamphlets distributed in the city followed after a political candid...

Unproven allegations of 'pet eating' caused mayor to declare a State of Emergency in small US town

Cyber attacks on renewable energies. Illustration Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF, executed by Chat GPT.

A cyber attack on renewable energy sources "could send us back to the stone age in just a few days"

- In just a few days, our society would face total collapse, essentially sending us back to the Ston...

A cyber attack on renewable energy sources "could send us back to the stone age in just a few days"

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flooding_in_Sirajganj_2020_%2852423722318%29.jpg

Heavy rain fall in Nepal killed almost 200 - 100,000 people stranded in the flood water

Most major highways connecting Kathmandu to the rest of the country remain blocked in multiple locat...

Heavy rain fall in Nepal killed almost 200 - 100,000 people stranded in the flood water

Damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022.Flickr Commons License: https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/52398165903

Dozens of dead and 60 million people across 12 US states under storm warning from Hurricane Helene

At least 43 people have lost their lives, and millions remain without power. Six states have declare...

Dozens of dead and 60 million people across 12 US states under storm warning from Hurricane Helene

Private photo of Paul Grimwood in 2015, from his Facebook account.

Firefighters around the world mourn the loss of Paul Grimwood - UK pioneer in fire gas cooling

Paul Grimwood is perhaps best known for his numerous books and articles, which have become foundatio...

Firefighters around the world mourn the loss of Paul Grimwood - UK pioneer in fire gas cooling

Risks and benefits of AI in the fire services. Illustration by Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF, generated by Chat GPT.

Both risks and benefits emphasized in global UFF Recommendations for Safe and Ethical Use of AI in t...

While AI can enhance productivity, efficiency, and decision-making, its irresponsible use could lead...

Both risks and benefits emphasized in global UFF Recommendations for Safe and Ethical Use of AI in the fire services

Original Illustration of the effects of Climate Change on the Fire Services. Illustration by Björn Ulfsson / CTIF

Climate Change: The Urban Fire Forum calls for new firefighting skills and redefined risk assessment...

Building climate resilience in fire services is essential, requiring proactive risk assessment, coll...

Climate Change: The Urban Fire Forum calls for new firefighting skills and redefined risk assessment in wildfires

Milan Dubravac, CTIF, and Stephan Weavers, FEU, at the Urban Fire Forum on September 18, 2024.

CTIF and FEU represented at NFPA´s Urban Fire Forum - Four new position papers agreed upon

Each September, the Urban Fire Forum meets, and fire chiefs from around the world endorse important ...

CTIF and FEU represented at NFPA´s Urban Fire Forum - Four new position papers agreed upon

The remnants of a truck carrying 31,000 pounds of lithium batteries. Photo by

31,000 pounds of lithium batteries caught fire in a crash on the highway

The total amount of water used to extinguish the fire was 5,550 gallons / 21,000 litres, with the ad...

31,000 pounds of lithium batteries caught fire in a crash on the highway

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_photographs_of_2019_Abukuma_River_flood_by_GSI_469.jpg

Six people have died - at least two missing - after three feet of rain fell in central Japan

From Friday until late Sunday evening, the city of Wajima received 500 millimeters – half a meter of...

Six people have died - at least two missing - after three feet of rain fell in central Japan

Wikipedia Commons License. An explosion at a mine in Yurt, Iran Date: 3 May 2017 Source: Tasnim Author: Mostafa Hassanzadeh

50 or more miners died in an underground explosion in Iran

Several miners are still believed to be trapped underground. Rescue teams have been dispatched to t...

50 or more miners died in an underground explosion in Iran

Flooding in the city of Hagen in 2021. Wikipedia Commons License. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rathausstra%C3%9Fe_Hochwasser_%282%29.jpg

Storm Boris / Anett caused massive destruction in Europe - 1 firefighter killed in Austria - fire st...

Storm Boris has essentially devastated several European cities.In the Czech Republic, where five peo...

Storm Boris / Anett caused massive destruction in Europe - 1 firefighter killed in Austria - fire station and hospital flooded

Hanoi Vietnam Floods 2008 Date 22 November 2008 (original upload date) Source Transferred from vi.wikipedia to Commons. Author: Ngocnb at Vietnamese Wikipedia

Dam collapse killed 30 and displaced 240,000 in Nigeria - Storm Yagi killed 200 in Vietnam

In Vietnam, Storm Yagi killed 197 people have died, and 800 have been injured, 150 missing. In the f...

Dam collapse killed 30 and displaced 240,000 in Nigeria - Storm Yagi killed 200 in Vietnam

All 2024 reports from the CTIF's Commissions, Working Groups and Executive Committee at DA in Oslo

All official reports are uploaded as PDFs. Delegates Assembly 2024 took place in Oslo in June 2024....

All 2024 reports from the CTIF's Commissions, Working Groups and Executive Committee at DA in Oslo

Screenshot of the Grenfell Tower Final Report Summary

The final report on the Grenfell Tower fire criticizes firefighting leadership strategies, governmen...

Government and industry are mainly blamed - weak firefighting strategies and a lack of leadership at...

The final report on the Grenfell Tower fire criticizes firefighting leadership strategies, government and construction industry

From the The Press Department of the Chief Headquarters of the State Fire Service (KG PSP) Photos by: Section Commander Krzysztof Pisz, Junior Aspirant Jakub Szmaglik

Two firefighters died and 11 firefighters injured in explosion during apartment building fire in Pol...

The firefighting efforts involved 100 firefighters and 30 rescue vehicles, including a specialized s...

Two firefighters died and 11 firefighters injured in explosion during apartment building fire in Poland

Decladding high-rise flats in Aberdeen on front in 2017, Bayview Court, 4 August 2017. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License.

New 2024 London apartment tower fire with flammable cladding raises concerns just days before the fi...

40 fire engines and more than 200 firefighters responded to the fire on Freshwater Road in Dagenham....

New 2024 London apartment tower fire with flammable cladding raises concerns just days before the final Grenfell Report is due for release

Screenshot of the video below on the Telegraph webpage

Ferris wheel on fire at German music festival - dozens injured from smoke inhalation

65 visitors and emergency personnel required medical attention, with 16 people being taken to the ho...

Ferris wheel on fire at German music festival - dozens injured from smoke inhalation

More than 100,000 Europeans died in heat waves 2022 and 2023 - Climate warming faster than expected...

A report released Monday by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) reveals that over 4...

More than 100,000 Europeans died in heat waves 2022 and 2023 - Climate warming faster than expected according to scientists

A drone searches through the remains of colapsed buildings after the Noto earthquake in January 2024. Photo by the Japan Ministry of Defence.

Japan issued warning for "mega earthquake" above 8 on the Richter scale

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The nation sits on the Pacific Oce...

Japan issued warning for "mega earthquake" above 8 on the Richter scale

Kröv, Germany Date Taken on 11 July 2015 Source https://web.archive.org/web/20161102063238/http://www.panoramio.com/photo/122356249 Author Foto Fitti

Two died in German hotel collapse - "remarkable" survival rate given extent of damage

Rescue teams faced a difficult task. Although they could reach some of the trapped individuals by ce...

Two died in German hotel collapse - "remarkable" survival rate given extent of damage

The Executive Commitee of CTIF as of June 20, 2024. The Secretary, Neža Strmole, is missing from this photo.

Meet the new 2024 Executive Committee of CTIF

One new vice president, Zisoula Ntasiou, Greece, has been voted in. Miklan Dubravac was re-elected a...

Meet the new 2024 Executive Committee of CTIF

CTIF Expo magazine, first copies handed out at DA 2024.

The CTIF EXPO 2024 News Magazine Now available as PDF

Download your digital copy here! The printed version of the magazine was handed out to DA Delegates ...

The CTIF EXPO 2024 News Magazine Now available as PDF

A Swedish fire truck in the ditch after a deadly accident. Photo: 90 Seconds Video Series

Seven firefighters injured when two fire engines collided

The aftermath left large diameter hose lines and broken glass scattered throughout the intersection.

Seven firefighters injured when two fire engines collided

An aeromedical chopper lands to rescue firefighters in critical condition at the scene of a raging bush fire in the Boston area outside Howick in the KZN Midlands. Photo by Midlands EMS.

Six - including three female firefighters - died in South Africa bush fire

Initially Mayor Chris Pappas reported that three female firefighters had died and five others had be...

Six - including three female firefighters - died in South Africa bush fire

Hinrich Struve and his wife Änne at his 80th birthday in 2009. Photo by Rico Thumser / DFV.

Grief in Germany and in CTIF after the passing of DFV Honorary President Hinrich Struve

Mr Struve was the Honorary President of the DFV, an honorary member of the CTIF, honorary state fire...

Grief in Germany and in CTIF after the passing of DFV Honorary President Hinrich Struve

Tom Van Esbroeck, Belgium, will be new CTIF Treasurer from January st, 2025.

Tom Van Esbroeck, Belgium, elected new Treasurer for CTIF

The Secret Ballot procedure was facilitated by CTIF Special Advisor Dennis Davis (UK) and assisted b...

Tom Van Esbroeck, Belgium, elected new Treasurer for CTIF

Singapur delegation with Milan Dubravac at DA 2024 i Oslo.

Welcome to CTIF Singapore!

Singapore was voted in as new Ordinary Member, and 6 new Associate business members were also voted ...

Welcome to CTIF Singapore!

A graphic of a heavy transport truck tunnel fire. Graphic by MSB / Mikael Karlsson

The CTIF working group for Tunnel Fires met online

CTIF President Milan Dubravac emphasized the importance of this group as it is very relevant technic...

The CTIF working group for Tunnel Fires met online

Summary Report from Delegates Assembly 2004 in Oslo

After a short welcome speech by the Director of the government Department for Fire & Rescue of N...

Summary Report from Delegates Assembly 2004 in Oslo

Delegates watching the CTIF Seminar 2024 on June 19, 2024

CTIF Seminar 2024 with a focus on forest fires and drones held in Oslo

87 delegates from all over Norway and from around the world were present at the CTIF Seminar. The CT...

CTIF Seminar 2024 with a focus on forest fires and drones held in Oslo

Map of China. Wikipedia Commons License.

Mandarine added: CTIF.org is now available in six languages

In order to better serve our members, we have added Simplified Chinese and Russian translations, to ...

Mandarine added: CTIF.org is now available in six languages

Mangaf, Kuwait. Wikipedia Commons License, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mangaf-kuwait.jpg

LPG fire in Kuwait killed 50 guest workers and injured dozens others - including 5 firefighters

More than 20 LPG cylinders and other flammable materials in the kitchen contributed to the rapid spr...

LPG fire in Kuwait killed 50 guest workers and injured dozens others - including 5 firefighters

General Grégory Allione. Photo credit: FNSPF – Gwenn Besson

CTIF supports General Grégory Allione, France, for the European parliament election

CTIF President Milan Dubravac writes: Inspector General Grégory Allione’s distinguished career and u...

CTIF supports General Grégory Allione, France, for the European parliament election

After the Papua New Guinea Landslide: Over 670 Feared Dead

The May 24 landslide almost entirely wiped out the village of Yambali in the highlands of Enga prov...

After the Papua New Guinea Landslide: Over 670 Feared Dead

Welding work started the gigantic fire in an amusement park in Gothenburg

According to the police report the fire originated during the welding process of the water slide, su...

Welding work started the gigantic fire in an amusement park in Gothenburg

Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association: Operational fire brigades are an important support for in...

500 people attended the third specialized conference of Austrian operational fire brigades with a sp...

Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association: Operational fire brigades are an important support for industries

The fire in the Bolzano factory, Italy May 8, 2024. Photo by X.

Massive fire in an EV charging station factory in Italy

Firefighters from Bolzano and neighboring areas, in collaboration with technicians from the Environm...

Massive fire in an EV charging station factory in Italy

CTIF President Milan Dubravac at the World Fire Congress in Washington, DC, May 7, 2024.

CTIF made presentation at the World Fire Congress 2024 in Washington

The First world fire congress is taking place in Washington, DC Tuesday and Wednesday. Around 60 cou...

CTIF made presentation at the World Fire Congress 2024 in Washington

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License Flooding in Lauro de Freitas (Brazil, 2010). Photo by Secom Bahia

Flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande Sul area has killed 85 and displaced 150,000 people

The river has surged to a record-breaking height of 5.3 meters (17.4 feet). This surpasses the previ...

Flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande Sul area has killed 85 and displaced 150,000 people

This pair of images, acquired by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite, provides a wider view of flooding in the Rufiji River Basin. The images are false color to emphasize the presence of water. A wide network of channels fanning out into the delta is present in April 2024, while the landscape appears dry in April 2023. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152754/destructive-floods-afflict-tanzania

Almost 200 dead in Kenya floods - heavy rain causes damage in Tanzania and neighbouring countries

The deluge and subsequent flooding have displaced 195,011 people, prompting the government to provid...

Almost 200 dead in Kenya floods - heavy rain causes damage in Tanzania and neighbouring countries

Austrian firefighter dead when fire engine rolled in accident

The fire brigade was called to a traffic accident with people trapped, needing to be extricated. On ...

Austrian firefighter dead when fire engine rolled in accident

The 2017 Grenfell Tower High Rise Fire

The fire occurred in Grenfell Tower, North London, on the 14 June 2017 with London Fire Bri-gade rec...

The 2017 Grenfell Tower High Rise Fire

Photo: Wikipedia Commons License. A photograph of a major fire in Massueville, Quebec, Canada. The fire was so violent that firefighters had to focus their efforts on saving the adjacent church instead of attacking the involved building. This photograph is a good example of what can be done with specialized fire photography, as the public does not have access to this extraordinary point of view and it was necessary to have fire photographer credentials

Historical buildings seem to have a fire problem despite elaborate fire protection plans

Renovation exposes heavy timber structures that are very dry, just waiting for a spark, says reno ex...

Historical buildings seem to have a fire problem despite elaborate fire protection plans

The building where the Starust nightclub once was located. By Heggyhomolit - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11960792

Irish government makes official apology to victims and families connected to the 1981 Stardust night...

The Dublin Stardust nightclub fire in 1981 led to the deaths of 48 people, and a recent jury verdict...

Irish government makes official apology to victims and families connected to the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire

Börsen in Copenhagen, which burned down on April 16, 2024. By Jebulon - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49932765

Historic stock exchange building in Copenhagen destroyed in fire

According to experts, it was nearly impossible to contain the fire only 17 minutes after the alarm ...

Historic stock exchange building in Copenhagen destroyed in fire

Photo of the sun with information about how long it takes for solar mass to reach earth. Illustration by the UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

The Silent Threat: Understanding the Risks of Fires from Geomagnetic Storms Following Solar Flares

The sun emits bursts of energy in the form of solar flares. While these Northern Lights and aurora ...

The Silent Threat: Understanding the Risks of Fires from Geomagnetic Storms Following Solar Flares

Istanbul. Free Pexels license. Photo by abdullah çadırcı https://www.pexels.com/photo/panoramic-view-of-istanbul-city-skyline-7973485/

Night club fire kills at least 29 in central Istanbul

The incident occurred during daytime renovation work, according to Turkish local authorities, who at...

Night club fire kills at least 29 in central Istanbul

Benedictine monks preparing to light the Christ candle prior to Easter Vigil mass, Morristown, New Jersey. Wikipedia License, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6623163

Easter Fires may have been burning in Europe since pagan days

The Osterfeuer, or Easter fires, hold a rich tradition deeply ingrained in the culture of Hamburg an...

Easter Fires may have been burning in Europe since pagan days

Drone photo by the US National Transportation Safety Board of the cargo ship Dali and the Francis Scott bridge after the collision.

90 seconds to evacuate bridge after MayDay call: Six dead and two rescued after after cargo ship des...

Multiple media sources says the cargo ship had reported being without power leaving the crew unable ...

90 seconds to evacuate bridge after MayDay call: Six dead and two rescued after after cargo ship destroys bridge

Security experts: Free AI engines could be hacked to aid terrorist

Free AI models on the internet have proven easy to hack and security experts are now concerned Ai co...

Security experts: Free AI engines could be hacked to aid terrorist

Flickr commons license. Photo by Marco Verch.

NASA director says heatwaves of 2023 went beyond the scope of climate models

Climate models may not fully explain the heat anomalies of 2023, which could suggets climate change ...

NASA director says heatwaves of 2023 went beyond the scope of climate models

Photo uploaded by SaskPower. Public image on Flickr. Carbon Capture and Storage at a Glance At Boundary Dam Power Station, the carbon capture-equipped unit 3 will emit 100,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere per year, as opposed to 1.1 million tonnes before.

Scientists discovers potentially groundbreakingly energy efficient method of carbon capture

By using geothermal heat, scientists have developed a method of scrubbing carbon from the atmosphere...

Scientists discovers potentially groundbreakingly energy efficient method of carbon capture

Installing photovoltaic panels on the roof at the Research Support Facility (RSF). NREL works on panels that DOE is using leverage a Power Purchase Agreement with SunEdison and Xcel Energy. Original public domain image from Flickr More Public Domain Free CCO U.S. Government image for Personal and Business use

Roof-top solar panels causing problems with fire gas ventilation during house fires

Fire Chief John Silva emphasized the difficulty of cutting through solar panels, noting that even if...

Roof-top solar panels causing problems with fire gas ventilation during house fires

As an AI language model, I can't display images, but I can provide a description: The still image captures the atmospheric river as it sweeps across California, showcasing its immense scale and the widespread coverage of moisture-laden clouds. The image likely depicts dark, ominous clouds stretching across the sky, indicating the intensity of the rainfall associated with the atmospheric river. Photo by CIRA

"Firehose" atmospheric river captured by satellite cameras

Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands of enhanced water vapor transport in the atmosphere, often...

"Firehose" atmospheric river captured by satellite cameras

Liseberg Oceana, during the fire on February 12, 2024. Wikipedia Commons license.

"I've never seen a fire development like this before" - firefighters talk about the fire gas explos...

In a post on Swedish Television SVT.se, fire officer Joakim Hallenberg told his story from that day...

"I've never seen a fire development like this before" - firefighters talk about the fire gas explosion at the amusement park in Gothenburg

Screenshot of the YouTube video for KIMR3 on the Watson recycling center fire

Recycling center refusing to take lithium batteries after fires

The recycling center does not take lithium-ion batteries, both the recycling center and the Pine Isl...

Recycling center refusing to take lithium batteries after fires

Mexico City. Photo by the Mexican government. Wikipedia Commons License.

Mexico City experiencing extreme water shortages and prolonged drought

Residents have recently protested against the water shortages. According to authorities, water level...

Mexico City experiencing extreme water shortages and prolonged drought

English: Sea Surface anomalies across the Earth in August 2023 during the 2023-2024 El Niño event. Español: Anomalías de la superficie del mar en toda la Tierra en agosto de 2023 durante el evento de El Niño 2023-2024. Date 31 August 2023 Source https://www.climate.gov/maps-data/data-snapshots/data-source/sst-global-monthly-difference-average Author NOAA

El Niño could cause 2024 to be the hottest year on record in many regions

The forecast from a climate model suggests that several regions, including the Caribbean, the Bay of...

El Niño could cause 2024 to be the hottest year on record in many regions

Photo Credit: Generic photo of cracked soil by National Park Service (Source). Free license by RAWPixelcom.

Barcelona in a water shortage emergency since February 1st - State of Pre Emergency since November ...

Reports indicate that Catalonia is experiencing its worst drought on record, highlighting the urgent...

Barcelona in a water shortage emergency since February 1st - State of Pre Emergency since November 2023

A demonstration for the compensation of firefighters injured in the Grenfell fire. Photo by FBU

Grenfell firefighters compensated 20 million pounds for injuries in the 2017 high-rise fire

Some of the firefighters, who responded to the blaze at Grenfell Tower on June 14, 2017, endured sev...

Grenfell firefighters compensated 20 million pounds for injuries in the 2017 high-rise fire

Visually browse all CTIF categories

Our Categories Page is now finished! It covers most CTIF topics in a mobile/ tablet-friendly and vi...

Visually browse all CTIF categories

The highrise fire in Valencia on Thursday February 22, 2024. Photo by Emergèncias 112CV, on X. https://twitter.com/GVA112/status/1760715417956340020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1760715417956340020%7Ctwgr%5E886d25f47a10f22d65f12b4be9ab7598ac651d65%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Felpais.com%2Fespana%2Fcomunidad-valenciana%2F2024-02-22%2Fel-fuego-devora-un-edificio-de-viviendas-en-valencia.htmls

Highrise which claimed 10 lives and injured several firefighters in fire had Grenfell synthetic type...

Valencia, Spain: One expert says the plastic insulation was attached to aluminium sheets, which is a...

Highrise which claimed 10 lives and injured several firefighters in fire had Grenfell synthetic type cladding

U.S. Marines and volunteer firefighters wait to show children the inside of a fire truck during the annual family day in Garden City, N.Y., Aug. 5, 2016. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Elizabeth Thurston). copyright Copyright info Public Domain Dedication. Public Use Notice of Limitations: https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright

Difficult shortages of volunteer firefighters in the US and Canada - recruitment crucial for wildfir...

The firefighter shortages are putting communities at risk - and volunteers are especially crucial f...

Difficult shortages of volunteer firefighters in the US and Canada - recruitment crucial for wildfire fighting

Firefighters rescuing residents from flooding in Slovenia. Photo credit: Fire service of Mengeš.

34,000 more operations in Austria in 2023 - Climate Change is showing its effects

Austria's fire brigades were challenged again in 2023 - The storm operations were particularly ...

34,000 more operations in Austria in 2023 - Climate Change is showing its effects

Fire & Rescue headlines February 2024

Western Canadian wildfires that went dormant over the winter have now moved above ground - Chile: H...

Fire & Rescue headlines February 2024

Prof. Dr. Nikolay Nikolayevich Brushlinsky teaching in a classroom. Photo: CTIF

A long bibliography of fire publications marks the memory of CTIF Fire Statistics founder Prof. Dr. ...

After the publication of the announcement of Professor Bruschlinsky's death at age 90, the Cent...

A long bibliography of fire publications marks the memory of CTIF Fire Statistics founder Prof. Dr. Nikolay Nikolayevich Brushlinsky

Foto: Björn Oddsson / Norges meteorologiska institut

New volcanic outbreak near Reykjavik - State of Emergency on iceland

Lava has damaged hot water pipes, and as Iceland relies heavily on geothermic energy, this threatens...

New volcanic outbreak near Reykjavik - State of Emergency on iceland

2023

CTIF wishes a Safe & Happy New Year!

CTIF wishes all members, supporters and readers a great holiday season and a happy new year! Stay sa...

CTIF wishes a Safe & Happy New Year!

Journal Article on Lessons from Robot Deployments by the German Rescue Robotics Center Task Force

The German Rescue Robotics Center (DRZ) recently had an article published in the Journal of Field Ro...

Journal Article on Lessons from Robot Deployments by the German Rescue Robotics Center Task Force

Dr. László Bérczi awarded Lifetime Honorary Member status in CTIF

Dr. László Bérczi, Hungary, was given the award of Honorary Membership in CTIF for his service as Vi...

Dr. László Bérczi awarded Lifetime Honorary Member status in CTIF

Sign up for CTIF´s newsletters!

If you are already in our database at the office in Ljubljana, please also sign up here to make sure...

CTIF President Milan Dubravac speaking at the COP28 World Climate Summit.

CTIF signed MOU with the Dubai Directorate General for Civil Defence

The CTIF President Milan Dubravac held a speech in connection with the signing of the MOU, which was...

CTIF signed MOU with the Dubai Directorate General for Civil Defence

In the photo from the left: CTIF vice president Christophe Marshal (France), CTIF Secretary Neza Strmole (Slovenia), CTIF Vice President Luc Faes (Belgium), Lt General Matroushi, Dubai, CTiF President Milan Dubravac (Slovenia) and Roman Sykora (Austria).

CTIF´s Executive Committee attended the COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai as specially invite...

The CTIF Executive Committee has been attending the world’s top Climate Summit, COP28 in Dubai. CTIF...

CTIF´s Executive Committee attended the COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai as specially invited guests

CTIF-ISES 2023 in Austria: Opening and welcome of the participants (Krzysztof Biskup, Chair of the EuroFSA on left side, and Stephan Wevers (FEU-President)

The 7th International Safety Education Seminar in Austria - ISES 2023

This time it was the Austrian Fire Brigade Association´s turn to host the event in 2023 with the sup...

The 7th International Safety Education Seminar in Austria - ISES 2023

The CTIF Working Group for Nordic & Baltic Countries held their first official meeting

15 delegates from 6 countries were present. The organizations present were those acting as the CTIF ...

The CTIF Working Group for Nordic & Baltic Countries held their first official meeting

Photo by: Mokslo Sriuba. Wikipedia Commons License. Taken on 16 July 2021.

Iceland is building a wall around a geothermal power plant to protect it from lava

The risk of an eruption is considered to be increasing by the day. The city of Grindavik is evacuate...

Iceland is building a wall around a geothermal power plant to protect it from lava

Public Domain photo. Fire/Rescue Academy 10 Photo by Aaron Hines.

Increased violence: Small Canadian town invest in body armour for firefighters - enhanced mental hea...

- Assaults and violence are still rare but becoming more common... the city is not immune to this th...

Increased violence: Small Canadian town invest in body armour for firefighters - enhanced mental health support to volunteers

Campi Bisenzio and Prato after the River Bisenzio

Storm Ciarán wreaked havoc across Europe - at least 15 dead - Tuscany flooded

State of Emergency in Tuscany - Wind driven wildfire in Spain - 7 dead from falling trees

Storm Ciarán wreaked havoc across Europe - at least 15 dead - Tuscany flooded

Satellite view of Hurricane Otis as it intensified on October 25, 2023.

Hurricane Otis left at least 48 dead and brought chaos in the aftermath for Mexico

Winds peaked at 73.8 meters per second / 165 mph when Otis made landfall in Acapulco on Wednesday, h...

Hurricane Otis left at least 48 dead and brought chaos in the aftermath for Mexico

Aerial photo of the pile up near New Orleans by the Lousiana State Police.

Super fog from forest fires caused massive pile up on highway - 168 cars involved - eight dead

Emergency services and paramedics had to walk to the victims and the burning cars as the road was co...

Super fog from forest fires caused massive pile up on highway - 168 cars involved - eight dead

Inquiry opened into Johannesburg fire that killed 77 people in August 2023

The spotlight has already been thrown on alleged gangs that seize abandoned buildings in the city&#0...

Inquiry opened into Johannesburg fire that killed 77 people in August 2023

https://dayton247now.com/news/local/city-of-piqua-lithium-ion-battery-testing-to-stop-company-leaving-piqua

Fire department lithium battery fire training facility shut down from public pressure

The lithium fire training in Ohio was part of a research and development initiative to provide limit...

Fire department lithium battery fire training facility shut down from public pressure

Photo by the US The Bureau of Land Management. Desert Sunlight Battery Energy Storage System. The Bureau of Land Management issued a Notice to Proceed with construction for the Sunlight Storage II Battery Energy Storage System project in Riverside County,

California creates new emergency response legislation for large lithium based Battery Energy Storage...

The legislation requires battery storage facilities in the state of California to put in place emerg...

California creates new emergency response legislation for large lithium based Battery Energy Storage Systems

Wikipedia Commons License. This is a screenshot from Tasnim News Agency footage of an ambulance operated by the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, after it was heavily damaged by an Israeli military airstrike. Date: 7 October 2023. This file, which was originally posted to tasnimnews.com, was reviewed on 14 October 2023 by reviewer Vysotsky, who confirmed that it was available there under the stated license on that date.

The Fire Brigades Union in the UK publishes statement condemning violence on both sides of the Israe...

On October 13, the Fire Brigades Union Executive Council approved a statement regarding recent event...

The Fire Brigades Union in the UK publishes statement condemning violence on both sides of the Israel-Palestine war

Wikipedia Creative Commons License. Source: Luton Airport, late evening Author: Mike McBey

The massive car park fire at Luton airport likely was likely started by a diesel car - not an EV

Fifteen fire engines and more than 100 firefighters from Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshi...

The massive car park fire at Luton airport likely was likely started by a diesel car - not an EV

Wales firefighter with FBU flag. Photo: Fbu.org.uk

Protests in the UK about cutting on-call crew sizes down to three: "Dangerous" says Fire Brigades Un...

CFRS has recently cut on-call firefighters to three per crew, despite recommendations of five firefi...

Protests in the UK about cutting on-call crew sizes down to three: "Dangerous" says Fire Brigades Union

Fire of a plastic processing and storage company in Osijek, Republic of Croatia). Photo provided by the Croatian fire authorities.

Toxic fumes and danger from flammable liquids in large plastics processing plant in Croatia

A total of 316 firefighters with 131 fire fighting vehicles from 29 volunteer fire brigades and 4 pr...

Toxic fumes and danger from flammable liquids in large plastics processing plant in Croatia

This image, courtesy of Bomberos/ayuntamiento de Murcia, shows a part of the nightclub's fire damaged interior following a fire in Murcia, southeastern Spain, on October 1, 2023

13 dead and 24 injured in the deadliest night club fire in Spain since 1990

Five people who were feared dead in Sunday´s nightclub fire in the city of Murcia have now been loca...

13 dead and 24 injured in the deadliest night club fire in Spain since 1990

Civilians in Greece being rescued during Storm Daniel in September 2023. Photo by the Hellenic Fire Services

Storm Daniel 2023: Largest inter agency operation ever in Greece - over 3,500 rescue operations and ...

The rainfall during the period 4 to 8 September reached over 1,1 meter/ 3 feet 7 inches in the Zagor...

Storm Daniel 2023: Largest inter agency operation ever in Greece - over 3,500 rescue operations and 10,000 + emergency calls

Flooding in Altenahr Altenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany Date 15 July 2021, 09:00 Source Self-photographed Author Martin Seifert (CnndrBrbr at German Wikipedia)

FORMATEX23: Large European simulated disaster exercise playing out in Austria in September

From September 14 to 16, 2023, the large-scale exercise FORMATEX23 will take place at various locati...

FORMATEX23: Large European simulated disaster exercise playing out in Austria in September

Floods in Libya, September 2023 Date 13 September 2023 Source https://erccportal.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ECHO-Products/Maps#/maps/4636 Author ERCC - Emergency Response Coordination Centre Sources: OCHA, NASA GPM, WMO, LNMC, GDACS, UNOSAT

Storm Daniel brought death and destruction in several countries - more than 11,000 dead in Libya

Derna Mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi said deaths in the city could reach 18,000 to 20,000, depending on...

Storm Daniel brought death and destruction in several countries - more than 11,000 dead in Libya

Photo Credit: (Wikipedia Commons License) The Chemetall Foote Lithium Operation in Clayton Valley, a dry lake bed in Esmeralda County, Nevada, just east of Silver Peak, a tiny town that has been host to various kinds of mining for about 150 years. Date: 6 August 2010, 16:40 Source 2010_08_06_rno-phx-bos_033 Uploaded by PDTillman Author: Doc Searls from Santa Barbara, USA

Tackling climate change: New EV battery tech, mega carbon capture project and lithium bonanza deposi...

A new allegedly fire safe iron-phosphate battery with rapid charge times - US has found the largest ...

Tackling climate change: New EV battery tech, mega carbon capture project and lithium bonanza deposit found in the US

A view of Babcock Ranch's town center which includes a general store, fitness center, doctors’ offices, and day care center. (Courtesy Babcock Ranch)

Entirely solar powered town in the US the first hurricane proof and energy self sufficient community

Nearly 700,000 solar panels supply energy to over 2,000 homes and other buildings, including schools...

Entirely solar powered town in the US the first hurricane proof and energy self sufficient community

The Vienna City Hall filled with CTIF Delegates for DA 2023.

All 2023 Reports from CTIF Commissions, Working Groups and Executive Committee for DA in Vienna

All reports are uploaded as PDFs. Delegates Assembly 2023 took place in Vienna in June 2023. To read...

All 2023 Reports from CTIF Commissions, Working Groups and Executive Committee for DA in Vienna

Milan Dubravac, president of CTIF, Otto Drozd Metro / CTIF, Robert Rocha / Metro and Stephan Wevers from FEU at OBA Assembly 2023 in Antigua, Guatemala during the third week of August.

CTIF leaders networking with South American fire services at OBA Assembly 2023 in Guatemala

CTIF president Milan Dubravac, vice president Otto Drozd and Mikko Saastamoinen from Extrication &am...

CTIF leaders networking with South American fire services at OBA Assembly 2023 in Guatemala

Fire brigade finds fires in modular timber apartment buildings spread quicker and are more time cons...

A fire in a five story wooden modular building took 50 hours to extinguish due to embers spreading i...

Fire brigade finds fires in modular timber apartment buildings spread quicker and are more time consuming to extinguish

Fire safety concerns over Scottish fire services no longer responding to automatic alarms

Unless a human can verify an actual fire, budget cuts in the Scottish fire services has led to a dec...

Fire safety concerns over Scottish fire services no longer responding to automatic alarms

remains of the vacation home after the fire in Wintzenheim, France. Photo posted by Stéphane Haussoulier on X (formerly Twitter.)

11 died in a French vacation home fire - had allegedly broken several safety rules

The fire department sent 76 firefighters, four fire engines and four ambulances to both deal with th...

11 died in a French vacation home fire - had allegedly broken several safety rules

A screenshot from a surveillance camera showing the explosion in the grain silos.

Grain silos exploded in Turkey - 12 injured in the Derince harbour

According to Turkish authorities, the explosion may have been caused by high pressure levels.

Grain silos exploded in Turkey - 12 injured in the Derince harbour

Moss landing in California is reportedly the world´s largest lithium-ion battery storage facility. Photo by LG Energy Solution

Despite the fire hazards of lithium-ion: Battery Energy Storage Systems are getting larger and large...

California just finished a lithium battery storage system with 3GWH capacity, and China is aiming fo...

Despite the fire hazards of lithium-ion: Battery Energy Storage Systems are getting larger and larger

The 2023 deadly flooding in Slovenia and Georgia - Slovenia request international help - massive hai...

Six people or more are dead and thousands are being forced to evacuate their homes in Slovenia due t...

The 2023 deadly flooding in Slovenia and Georgia - Slovenia request international help - massive hailstorm in Germany

Typhoon Doksuri (Egay) of the 2023 Pacific typhoon season near its peak intensity while off the coast of Luzon during the afternoon of July 25, 2023. It had 10-min sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph) (JMA) and 1-min sustained winds of 230 km/h (145 mph) (JTWC) and an official minimum central pressure of 935 mbar (27.6 inHg) at the time this image was captured.

Typhoon Doksuri killed 51 people - town drowned when flood water was diverted from Beijing

The storm waters in the capital of China was taking out bridges, washing away dozens of cars at a ti...

Typhoon Doksuri killed 51 people - town drowned when flood water was diverted from Beijing

A Dutch coast guard photo of the fire onboard the cargo ship carrying almost 3000 cars.

Cargo ship with 3700 cars still burning almost a week later - now safely towed to Port Eemshaven

The burning cargo ship which caught fire at sea on July 25 near the Dutch coast was still burning th...

Cargo ship with 3700 cars still burning almost a week later - now safely towed to Port Eemshaven

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Date 24 September 2015, 19:31 Source Halifax Harbour Sunset Skyline Author Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota Camera location 44° 39′ 50.35″ N, 63° 34′ 15.66″ W Kartographer map based on OpenStreetMap.

Complacency about climate change may have led to unnecessary deaths in the Nova Scotia flooding disa...

In July 2023 an estimated 250 millimetres of rain fell in 24 hours, creating devastating and deadly ...

Complacency about climate change may have led to unnecessary deaths in the Nova Scotia flooding disaster in July 2023

Three Mill Bay Fire Company extinguishing the solar farm battery fire.

Solar farm lithium-ion battery fire took four days to extinguish

This is an opportunity for first-responders to learn from solar farm battery fires, says Niel D. Riv...

Solar farm lithium-ion battery fire took four days to extinguish

A photo from the Russian Emergencies Ministry showing fallen trees damaging cars on the campsite.

10 dead and 76 injured in storm in central Russia

The storm affected eight regions and damaged nearly 50 buildings. Around 100,000 people were without...

10 dead and 76 injured in storm in central Russia

English: Early morning, minutes (or better to say seconds) after sunrise. The front shadows are because of north-eastern mountains of Tehran. Date 12 June 2006 Source https://www.flickr.com/photos/hamed/165602336/ Author Hamed Saber

Iran shuts down the entire country for two days because of dangerous heat

The decision to shut down the country as a temporary two day holiday period allegedly came after Ira...

Iran shuts down the entire country for two days because of dangerous heat

Wikipedia Commons License: This image explaining cloud seeding shows the chemical either silver iodide or dry ice being dumped onto the cloud, which then becomes a rain shower. The process shown in the upper-right is what is happening in the cloud and the process of condensation to the introduced chemicals. Date25 March 2011 SourceOwn work AuthorNaomi E Tesla

Mexico steps up efforts to create rain in cloud seeding project as heatwaves and deadly droughts int...

The project began in July 2023 and involves planes flying into clouds to release silver iodide parti...

Mexico steps up efforts to create rain in cloud seeding project as heatwaves and deadly droughts intensify in 2023

CCTV footage captured Mohamed Abrini (R) and the two airport bombers who blew themselves up in the 2016 Brussels airport bombing.

Bombers sentenced to murder in Brussels airport 2016 bombing trial

Several of those on trial had already been convicted of taking part in the Paris terror attacks mont...

Bombers sentenced to murder in Brussels airport 2016 bombing trial

Large hail stones. Royalty free photo by PXFuel.com

Powerful storms and flooding during heatwave & wildfire crisis 2023: hail the size of tennis balls i...

A water bomber crashed in Greece, four people were killed in storms in Northern Italy, and the Paler...

Powerful storms and flooding during heatwave & wildfire crisis 2023: hail the size of tennis balls in Europe, 750 evacuated in Nova Scotia, 34 dead in Algeria

A NASA map of the world indicating heatwaves during July 2023

WHO 2023: Brace for more heat waves and other severe weather events

One-third of Americans were affected by extreme weather last week when as a prolonged heat wave pers...

WHO 2023: Brace for more heat waves and other severe weather events

A big wave recorded in Croatia in November 2019. Wikipedia Commons License. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/183939796@N07/49081626107/

Four dead and 100 injured in 2023 Croatian storm - one firefighter killed on duty

The capital of Zagreb registered 700 emergency calls in 45 minutes.

Four dead and 100 injured in 2023 Croatian storm - one firefighter killed on duty

This image uses data from the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission’s radiometer instrument and shows the land surface temperature across Europe and parts of northern Africa on the morning of July 10, 2023. Land surface temperatures hit 46°C in Rome, Italy, while Madrid and Seville reached 46 and 47°C, respectively. Credit: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2023), processed by ESA

Heatwaves and extreme weather around the world create lethal conditions summer 2023

In South Korea, the death toll from several days of torrential rain and landslides rose to 41 dead. ...

Heatwaves and extreme weather around the world create lethal conditions summer 2023

Illustration from the US National Weather Service

Millions under flood warning in July 2023 - while 1/3 of US population under heat advisory

The three hottest days ever recorded for the planet occured last week, according to Copernicus. In t...

Millions under flood warning in July 2023 - while 1/3 of US population under heat advisory

Photo released by Xinhua News Agency, firefighters work at the site of an explosion at a restaurant in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

National safety campaign launched in China after an explosion killed 31 people in a restaurant

Employees had noticed the smell of cooking gas about an hour prior to the explosion and had discover...

National safety campaign launched in China after an explosion killed 31 people in a restaurant

E-bike charging station. Pixabay license https://pixabay.com/photos/e-bike-charging-station-accurate-5761941/

New York tries to tackle deadly e-bike fires by installing charging stations for 25 million USD

New York mayor Eric Adams hopes the stations will provide a safer way for delivery workers, who rely...

New York tries to tackle deadly e-bike fires by installing charging stations for 25 million USD

A Royal Air Force firefighter takes part in an exercise at RAF Leuchars in Scotland. Organization: RAF Object Name: is-3464-hr Supplemental Categories: People, Royal Air Force Keywords: Royal Air Force, RAF, Personnel, Non-Identifiable, Man, Smoke, Fire and Rescue, Fire, Rescue, Hose, Firefighter, Fireman Country: UK Photo Permission details: Images are downloadable at high resolution, made available at http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk for reuse under the OGL (Open Government License). When reusing, cre

New 2023 law will come into effect to establish framework for Canadian firefighters and occupational...

Canada has paved the way for many other countries in the world to start recognizing cancer as an occ...

New 2023 law will come into effect to establish framework for Canadian firefighters and occupational cancer

A Waymo self-driving car on the road in Mountain View. Wikipedia Commons License. Author: Grendelkhan

Self driving AI powered taxis keep interfering with fire scenes in California

Robotaxis keep interfering with firefighters on the streets of San Francisco, and the fire chief is ...

Self driving AI powered taxis keep interfering with fire scenes in California

Central Paris. Photo by Roman Boed, PXhere-license: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/236538?utm_content=shareClip&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pxhere

Large gas explosion in central Paris - many people injured - 30 dead in gas explosion in China

Several fires broke out in connection to the explosion and more than 200 firefighters were initially...

Large gas explosion in central Paris - many people injured - 30 dead in gas explosion in China

Village of Sankt Augustine, Germany. Map by: Wikipedia Commons

Two firefighters died and 11 were injured in a fire in a motorcycle shop in Germany

The two firefighters, one male and one female, were from the local volunteer fire brigade which was ...

Two firefighters died and 11 were injured in a fire in a motorcycle shop in Germany

Juan Carlos Field (vice president of OBA) Milan Dubravac (President CTIF). Photo: CTIF Austria.

CTIF signed MOU with Organización de Bomberos Americanos

The OBA and CTIF agree to mutually collaborate and support each other as described in this MOU.

CTIF signed MOU with Organización de Bomberos Americanos

The Executive Committee of CTIF with our four new vice presidents voted in as of DA 2023 in Vienna. Photo: CTIF Austria From the left: Otto Drozd (USA - New), Luc Faes (Belgium - New), Marc Mamer (Luxembourg, Treasurer), Zdenek Nytra (Czech Republic - leaving the EC), Tom Van Esbroeck (Belgium - Special Advisor), Milan Dubravac (Slovenia - Pres), Taina Hanhihoski (Finland), Dennis Davis (UK - Senior Advisor), Yvonne Näsman (Sweden), Ole Hansen (Norway - leaving the EC), Neza Strmole (Slovenia - CTIF Secr

CTIF has a new Executive Committee - four new vice presidents voted in at DA 2023

The four new Vice Presidents in the CTIF EC are: Otto Drozd (USA), Luc Faes (Belgium), Martin Neku...

CTIF has a new Executive Committee - four new vice presidents voted in at DA 2023

Vienna City Hall filled with CTIF delegates for AD 2023

Report from Delegates Assembly 2023 in Vienna

22 countries were present physically for Delegates Assembly on Thursday, and another 5 countries joi...

Report from Delegates Assembly 2023 in Vienna

Ivana Kruijff-Korbayová speaking about robot assisted rescue at the CTIF seminar in Ostrava, 2019

Speakers list for the seminar part of Delegates Assembly in Vienna

A total of 9 interesting presentations are lined up and will take up most of the extended afternoon.

Speakers list for the seminar part of Delegates Assembly in Vienna

Loy Setter, President of Metro Fire Chiefs, and Milan Dubravac, President of CTIF signing the MoU between the two organizations on Thursday June 8, 2023.

CTIF signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Metro Fire Chiefs

At the conference President Dubravac also met USA Fire administrator dr Lori Moore-Merell and the CE...

CTIF signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Metro Fire Chiefs

CTIF General Secretary Roman Sykora speaking at the General Assembly of the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe (CFPA-E).

CTIF General Secretary spoke at the General Assembly of the Confederation of Fire Protection Associa...

Mr Sykora made a presentation about CTIF and opened for more future cooperation.

CTIF General Secretary spoke at the General Assembly of the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe

A wildfire about one kilometre north from the Saulteux First Nation's community hall. (Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs/ Facebook)

Dangerous firefighting conditions expected in Nova Scotia wildfires 2023 - 16,000 Eastern Canadians ...

More than 200 fire crews from agencies across the province have been sent to help. Officials say the...

Dangerous firefighting conditions expected in Nova Scotia wildfires 2023 - 16,000 Eastern Canadians evacuated

Screenshot of CNN´s news clip from the Iowa building collapse on May 28, 2023

Flooding may have caused structural instability - 8 people rescued from Iowa mid rise collapse

Part of the building’s back section collapsed and detached from the rest of the structure just befor...

Flooding may have caused structural instability - 8 people rescued from Iowa mid rise collapse

Michael Rimmer, who became a firefighter at age 56. Photo by SFRS

Scottish air force engineer becomes firefighter at age 56

- Age is not barrier, says the former air force engineer to BBC.

Scottish air force engineer becomes firefighter at age 56

A Canadair CL-215 water bomber plane dropping a load pf water on a forest fire. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Europe is preparing for a 2023 with extremely hot weather, droughts and record forest fires

Spain bans all outdoor work when temperatures are dangerously high, and pays 2 billion Euros to supp...

Europe is preparing for a 2023 with extremely hot weather, droughts and record forest fires

Emergency crews rescue several people in a boat on a flooded street after heavy rains hit the east coast of the Marche region in Senigallia, Italy. Photo by VIGILI DEL FUOCO

40,000 people evacuated from Italian flooding in the wake of Storm Minerva 2023

14 people have died and more than 5,000 rescue workers and volunteers have been working in the affec...

40,000 people evacuated from Italian flooding in the wake of Storm Minerva 2023

Ten firefighters and two police officers injured in high-rise apartment explosion in Germany

A police spokeswoman told reporters that some of those hurt were in a potentially life-threatening c...

Ten firefighters and two police officers injured in high-rise apartment explosion in Germany

Milan city skyline. Wikipedia Commons License.

Fire in oxygen tanks on a transport truck caused huge explosions in Milan

A dozen explosions reportedly erupted and the fire likely started in the engine compartment of the t...

Fire in oxygen tanks on a transport truck caused huge explosions in Milan

Technical Days 2023 - Photo Johan Ivarsson / Cold Cut Systems

Technical Days: "The cooperation between CTIF and Euro NCAP is strong and will continue for the futu...

Technical Days - Emergency response on vehicles - is back on May 10th, 11th and 12, 2023 in Poiteres...

Technical Days: "The cooperation between CTIF and Euro NCAP is strong and will continue for the future"

Bob Mitchell, Canada´s longest serving firefighter

Canada´s longest serving firefighter was with the Lamont fire station for 71 years

- Bob was a huge part of the station. He was one of our founding members and he really truly was eve...

Canada´s longest serving firefighter was with the Lamont fire station for 71 years

From the Facebook page of the St Louis fire department

Chief says firefighter shortage puts small communities at risk

Canada is experiencing an ongoing shortage of firefighters, and small remote communities are especia...

Chief says firefighter shortage puts small communities at risk

Bergh the robotic search and rescue dog. Photo by FDNY.

Remote controlled robotic technology in garage collapse - see how it was used for rapid response

One week after the collapse of a parking garage in the Financial District of Manhattan, the FDNY and...

Remote controlled robotic technology in garage collapse - see how it was used for rapid response

Vice president Christophe Marchal during the dubbing ceremony as Knight in the Legion of Honour in France. Photo: SDIS86

CTIF vice president Christophe Marchal inducted as Knight of the Legion of Honour

A volunteer firefighter for more than 44 years, Lieutenant-Colonel Christophe Marchal has been the h...

CTIF vice president Christophe Marchal inducted as Knight of the Legion of Honour

An electric Ford F-150 Lightning caught fire on Feb. 4, 2023 due to a battery issue traced back to one of the automaker’s suppliers. The blaze spread to two other electric pickups in a holding lot of Ford’s in Dearborn, Michigan. Photo by Dearborn Police Department

Spontaneously combusting battery in EV pickup truck burned so hot two other vehicles melted - outsid...

The high voltage battery pack had short-circuited due to a manufacturing issue when cells were at a ...

Spontaneously combusting battery in EV pickup truck burned so hot two other vehicles melted - outside on a holding lot

Screenshot of a video from Twitter. https://twitter.com/krassenstein/status/1648447992830242821

One person dead in collapsed parking garage - building had known safety issues

One person died and five others were injured when a parking garage collapsed in Lower Manhattan&#039...

One person dead in collapsed parking garage - building had known safety issues

Settlement made for hundreds families affected by the Grenfell Fire

Those who took part in the claim were represented by 14 legal firms. The lawyers said the agreement ...

Settlement made for hundreds families affected by the Grenfell Fire

Three firefighters being trained by an instructor in nozzle technique.

Firefighters warn of mass resignations with new WTD rules: "Disastrous work hours"

Over half of all Swedish career firefighters have signed a protest list against new work hour regula...

Firefighters warn of mass resignations with new WTD rules: "Disastrous work hours"

Webinar video: "Cancer in the Fire Services"

The webinar video is hosted by Szymot Kokot and premiered on YouTube on the 4th of April 2023

Webinar video: "Cancer in the Fire Services"

A photo of the type of commuter train which was involved in the accident on April 4, 2023. Wikipedia Commons License. Photo by Jan Derk Remmers - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75261466

One killed and 30 passengers injured in commuter train accident in Holland

The train is thought to have collided with equipment on the track and then derailed. A fire broke ou...

One killed and 30 passengers injured in commuter train accident in Holland

Photo of the aftermath of a 2005 storm in Mississippi. Photo from the US National Archives

New storm system in spring 2023 with violent tornadoes killed at least 32 people in the south and mi...

The tornadoes hit the US just one week after 26 people died in Mississippi, also as a result of a st...

New storm system in spring 2023 with violent tornadoes killed at least 32 people in the south and midwest

Alphonse Hartmann remembered: A commitment of more than 50 years to the fire service

Alphonse Hartmann, France, was a great champion of the International firefighting competitions of th...

Alphonse Hartmann remembered: A commitment of more than 50 years to the fire service

CTIF Norway´s leader Ole Hansen in the CTIF stand at DSB´s Brannvesen conference 2023.

CTIF Norway especially appreciated for their yearly webinars and seminars

The CTIF Committee of Norway was invited as an exhibitor at the national Fire Service Conference.

CTIF Norway especially appreciated for their yearly webinars and seminars

Screenshot from the body cam footage showing the house exploding.

Body camera video shows firefighters narrowly surviving a gas explosion inside a home

The video shows the six firefighters searching the house for the source of a gas leak while wearing ...

Body camera video shows firefighters narrowly surviving a gas explosion inside a home

Screenshot of a video showing Joe Biden addressing firefighters at IAFF Conference.

Biden first sitting US president in 25 years to personally address firefighters at IAFF conference

- You’ve had my back, and I’ll have yours, Biden said and the group applauded as he addressed the IA...

Biden first sitting US president in 25 years to personally address firefighters at IAFF conference

CTIF History Commission: The Definitions of a Fire Service Museum as of 2023

The terms of definition for what constitutes a Fire Service Museum have recently been updated by the...

CTIF History Commission: The Definitions of a Fire Service Museum as of 2023

CTIF Certified Museums & Collections

This is the guide to fire service museums and fire service collections which are certified by the CT...

CTIF Certified Museums & Collections

Map of Greece with the train crash site marked.

Fire bombs thrown at police and tear gas used on demonstrators over deadly railway accident

Police and protesters have clashed in several cities in Greece. Demonstrators allegedly threw firebo...

Fire bombs thrown at police and tear gas used on demonstrators over deadly railway accident

John Owens (VOA) - Source article (direct source) Photo of Kutupalong Refugee Camp in Bangladesh. Public Domain File:Kutupalong Refugee Camp (John Owens-VOA).jpg Created: 24 March 2017 Location: 21° 12′ 46.61″ N, 92° 9′ 48.53″ E

Toxic garbage fire - floods in Malaysia - fire in a refugee camp - news in brief from around the wo...

At least 17 people have died in a fire in a fuel depot in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. Up to 5...

Toxic garbage fire - floods in Malaysia - fire in a refugee camp - news in brief from around the world

Rescue work at the destroyed Galeria Business Center in Diyarbakır. One of the buildings in the background later collapsed following an aftershock. By Mahmut Bozarslan (Voice of America) - https://www.voaturkce.com/a/icisleri-bakani-soylu-dorduncu-seviye-alarm-ortaya-koyduk/6949379.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=128454774

The total number of dead over 50,000 in Turkey - Syria earthquake

Turkey has begun work to rebuild homes for about 1,5 million people who have become homeless after t...

The total number of dead over 50,000 in Turkey - Syria earthquake

Stephan Wevers, President of FEU and Milan Dubravac, President of CTIF, signs the renewal of the MOU in Madrid November 4th, 2022.

Leadership Course: How can European fire officers navigate the EU parliament and its legislative pro...

The European fire services have historically been well organized in national organizations and colla...

Leadership Course: How can European fire officers navigate the EU parliament and its legislative process?

Deep Ellum sidewalk covered with snow in Dallas snow storm 2021 Date Taken on 15 February 2021, 04:53:12 Source Dallas Snow Storm 2021, Photos Of Downtown And Deep Ellum At Night Own work Author: Matthew T Rader

11 died in Texas 2023 winter storm - then a brutal cold snap struck the US northeast and Canada

Earlier in the week, some of the southern US states experienced a historic snow storm which killed 1...

11 died in Texas 2023 winter storm - then a brutal cold snap struck the US northeast and Canada

A tornado approaching the town of Elie, Manitoba in 2007. GNU Free Documentation License. Photo by Justin Hobson (Justin1569 at English Wikipedia)

North America´s stormy January - now 2023 is predicted to be even warmer than 2022

Rainstorms and floods have claimed 19 lives in Northern California, and another 9 have died in torna...

North America´s stormy January - now 2023 is predicted to be even warmer than 2022

High concentrations of toxins in high risefires like Grenfell possibly linked to firefighter cancer

Large fires involving synthetic materials create high levels of toxic contaminants. According to stu...

High concentrations of toxins in high risefires like Grenfell possibly linked to firefighter cancer

Several Lebanese officials allegedly named to be sued for the 2020 ammonium nitrate explosion in Bei...

The explosion destroyed 77,000 apartments, killed 200 and wounded 7,000 people, and displaced over 3...

Several Lebanese officials allegedly named to be sued for the 2020 ammonium nitrate explosion in Beirut

Downtown Seoul, South Korea. Wikipedia Commons License.

Fire destroys 60 homes in Seoul

The construction material in this dense hillside encampment is often simple plywood and plastic, and...

Fire destroys 60 homes in Seoul

Public Domain Vector drawing of a nuclear explosion behind a generic city skyline

Research team on Cypress urges the public to prepare for the possibility of nuclear attacks

Pr. Dimitris Drikakis believes the public needs to consider the nuclear threat with the same level o...

Research team on Cypress urges the public to prepare for the possibility of nuclear attacks

Manfred Gebhardt. Private Facebook photo.

CTIF remembers honorary member Manfred Gebhardt, twice CTIF vice president from Hamburg

Mr Gebhardt served twice as CTIF Vice president, and his responsibilities in the CTIF Executive Comm...

CTIF remembers honorary member Manfred Gebhardt, twice CTIF vice president from Hamburg

The battery packs being installed in a Nissan Leaf, in 2009. Wikipedia Commons License. Nissan Leaf at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Date 23 October 2009 Source Own work Author Tennen-Gas Permission (Reusing this file) cc-by-sa-3.0

A growing dependency on lithium: Will the Electric Revolution ever arrive at safer batteries?

A Finnish forestry company is developing an EV battery based on wood. Their goal is batteries that c...

A growing dependency on lithium: Will the Electric Revolution ever arrive at safer batteries?

Lightning near a rural building. Wikipedia Commons License. Photo by Brezhnev30.

A Swiss team of scientists able to control lightning flashes with powerful lasers

The old fashioned lightning rod may soon be obsolete: A powerful laser can possible control thunderb...

A Swiss team of scientists able to control lightning flashes with powerful lasers

A private mobile phone video of the lithium fire in France, uploaded to Twitter January 16

Large explosion and fire at French lithium battery warehouse

It is estimated around 8,000 lithium batteries have been destroyed. The fire then spread to a nearby...

Large explosion and fire at French lithium battery warehouse

The French Firefighters’ Federation FNPSF and the NGO “French Humanitarian Firefighters” (PHF) received a delegation of Ukrainian and Polish firefighters on Monday, January 16th, 2023 at the headquarters of the Fire and Rescue Service of “Department de La Loire” in Saint-Étienne, France.

France sends mobile care unit to Ukraine - special delegation meeting held in Saint-Étienne

The objective of the event was to donate a mobile care unit to Ukraine, and attending the event were...

France sends mobile care unit to Ukraine - special delegation meeting held in Saint-Étienne

Aerial view of Urumqi, Xinjiang Province, PR China. Wikipedia Commons License.

The fire that may have sparked a quarter billion Covid cases in only a few weeks

Chinese protesters claimed strict Covid protocols had hindered first responders from effectively res...

The fire that may have sparked a quarter billion Covid cases in only a few weeks

Copernicus: Europe and the polar caps are heating up faster than the rest of the planet

Europe experienced its warmest summer in 2022, with temperatures increasing by more than twice the g...

Copernicus: Europe and the polar caps are heating up faster than the rest of the planet

By eagle102.net - originally posted to Flickr as Polar Bear Plunge, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5875488

January 2023 heatwave in Europe - 17 dead in California rain storm

17 people have died, including a five year old boy swept away by flood waters, during the flooding i...

January 2023 heatwave in Europe - 17 dead in California rain storm

The Bronx: Low income tower blocks with Manhattan in the background. Photo by Alex Drainville. Creative Commons Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

FEMA launches new national plan for fire safety - on the anniversary of deadly Bronx fire

The US Fire Administration will have the power to identify the causes of fires like the one at the T...

FEMA launches new national plan for fire safety - on the anniversary of deadly Bronx fire

Photo of the letter received from the Ukrainian government, asking CTIF to coordinate help for firefighters during the war.

CTIF´s dramatic year of 2022 in Review

2022 has been a difficult year for the world and also for CTIF - with extreme weather, war in Ukrai...

CTIF´s dramatic year of 2022 in Review

CTIF´s year of 2022 in Review - 2nd Quarter April - June

As April approached in 2022, most countries were already lifting their Covid-19 restrictions. For CT...

CTIF´s year of 2022 in Review - 2nd Quarter April - June

The adult CTIF Competitions in Celje, 2022

CTIF´s year of 2022 in Review - 3rd quarter July - September

By the beginning of July 2022, wildfire season in Europe was starting for real. Extreme weather in t...

CTIF´s year of 2022 in Review - 3rd quarter July - September

Milan Dubravac opening the IEDO drone conference in December

CTIF´s year of 2022 in Review - 4th Quarter October - December

Devastating typhoons and other extreme weather affecting large areas of the globe dominated the news...

CTIF´s year of 2022 in Review - 4th Quarter October - December

2022

CTIF wishes a Safe and Merry Holiday Season!

From all of us - to all of you - a very safe holiday season and a Happy New Year!

CTIF wishes a Safe and Merry Holiday Season!

Casino and street scape, Poipet, Cambodia 2012: Wikipedia Commons License. Source Own work Author Milei.vencel

25 dead in Cambodia casino fire

Hundreds of people were in the Grand Diamond City building in the border town of Poipet when the fir...

25 dead in Cambodia casino fire

Rautjärvi wooden church before the fire. By MKFI - ECC SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33134420

Good fire planning may have saved Finnish church visitors from being burned alive

30 - 40 people in Rautjärvi, Finland, were intentionally locked inside a burning wooden church set ...

Good fire planning may have saved Finnish church visitors from being burned alive

A generic image of a residential home covered in snow and ice. CCO Public domain photo.

Once-in-a-generation snowstorm hit North America - people were dying in their cars

Storm Elliot has killed more than 60 people along the east coast of North America, and left hundreds...

Once-in-a-generation snowstorm hit North America - people were dying in their cars

Siberian firefighters going into the remains of the illegal home care facility where 20 people or more died in a fire on Christmas Eve. Screenshot of a video from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Accidents and fires over the Christmas 2022 weekend

Deadly snowstorms in North America and Japan - 51 people poisoned by ammonia in Serbia - 20 people ...

Accidents and fires over the Christmas 2022 weekend

The fire at Erie Basin Auto Pound, in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood. Photo: FDNY / Twitter

Criminal evidence from three decades destroyed in a storage facility fire

The FDNY attempted an interior fire attack, but the members were overwhelmed by the amount of fire a...

Criminal evidence from three decades destroyed in a storage facility fire

Milan Dubravac doing the opening speech at the world´s first Drone Conference in Paris.

54 fire services and 25 police agencies from 31 countries came to the IEDO emergency drone conferenc...

CTIF has been supporting the host IEDO with this conference and our president Milan Dubravac held th...

54 fire services and 25 police agencies from 31 countries came to the IEDO emergency drone conference

A smart phone filming a fire. Photo by Björn Ulfsson / CTIF.org

New technology allows callers to stream video to emergency dispatch from their phones

London Fire Brigade rolled out the technology already in late 2021, and some US states are starting ...

New technology allows callers to stream video to emergency dispatch from their phones

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ( modis.gsfc.nasa.gov MODIS ) on NASA's terra.nasa.gov/ Terra satellite between June 2 and June 8, 2008. label_outline Copyright info: Public Domain Dedication. Public Use Notice of Limitations: https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright

Close to 500 billion Euros in losses due to extreme weather in recent decades

Switzerland, Slovenia, and France recorded the highest economic losses per capita due to extreme wea...

Close to 500 billion Euros in losses due to extreme weather in recent decades

A screen shot from the video of explosion in the Russian shopping center.

Large fire and explosion in Russian shopping center

In the Moscow region, firefighters have been putting out a fire the size of 7,000 square metres (75,...

Large fire and explosion in Russian shopping center

From a demonstration for better pay at Westminster by FBU members on December 6, 2022. Photo: Fire Brigade Union, UK.

The Fire Brigade Union in the UK protesting for better pay - vote this week about possible strike

On 6 December, over 2,000 firefighters and control staff from across the UK assembled in Westminster...

The Fire Brigade Union in the UK protesting for better pay - vote this week about possible strike

Screenshot from the video released by the the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (USCSB).

Ignored warnings: Investigators release lessons learned video from the deadly Loy-Lange boiler explo...

A failing Semi Closed Receiver has been determined the cause of the explosion which sent large debri...

Ignored warnings: Investigators release lessons learned video from the deadly Loy-Lange boiler explosion

Screenshot of SVT.se news story. Video images shows Stena Scandica only minutes away from very shallow waters near the island of Gotland, Sweden. Photo: Swedish Marine Rescue Society

Passenger ferry literally minutes from disaster after onboard fire in August

Through bypassing and rewiring the burnt communications cables control of the ship could be regained...

Passenger ferry literally minutes from disaster after onboard fire in August

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License. L By Robinseed - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47544828

Sudden stops or non urgent falls can trigger smartphone to make emergency calls - overwhelming dispa...

Safety features on newer phones and some watches have GPS-systems capable of measuring any change in...

Sudden stops or non urgent falls can trigger smartphone to make emergency calls - overwhelming dispatch centers

The island of Ischia, before the landslide. . Ischia - view from Castello Aragonese. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons license Autho Markt Tistan from Bristol, UK

Unsafe construction considered the underlying issue behind the Ischia landslide tragedy - 1,3 millio...

Italy: A State of Emergency was declared after a landslide killed at least 8 people and destroyed bu...

Unsafe construction considered the underlying issue behind the Ischia landslide tragedy - 1,3 million more Italians living under threat of landslides and floods

Public Domain License, Non Commercial. Source: Scandinavian Star-ulykken - 1990, by Finn Eirik Strømberg, F. E., Aftenposten, NTB scanpix. (https://ndla.no/article/13381). CC BY-NC 4.0.

Survivors and families of victims sue Denmark over the 1990 Scandinavian Star fire

Around 2 million Euros in damages are now sought. 159 people, mostly Norwegians, died in the fire.

Survivors and families of victims sue Denmark over the 1990 Scandinavian Star fire

The airliner at Lima airport hit the fire truck and caught fire during take off. Photo: Screen shot from passenger video posted to Twitter.

Two firefighters died when airliner hit firefighting vehicle on Lima airport runway

It is currently unclear why the firefighting vehicle was on the runway. A manslaughter investigation...

Two firefighters died when airliner hit firefighting vehicle on Lima airport runway

The Influencers´Edition of the International Fire and Safety ´Journal, November 2022

CTIF featured in the International Fire and Safety Journal

CTIF in the Press: President Milan Dubravac published an article in the in the Influencers´Edition t...

CTIF featured in the International Fire and Safety Journal

Destroyed homes on Daytona Beach on Thursday Nov 10, after Hurricane Nicole reached the eastern coastline.

Nicole first November hurricane to strike Eastern US in over 40 years - 5 dead and 300 000 without p...

Areas still recovering from Hurricane Ian are now devastated by another major weather event. 12 mill...

Nicole first November hurricane to strike Eastern US in over 40 years - 5 dead and 300 000 without power

Downtown Dubai, in 2018. Wikipedia Commons License. Photo by Iwona Rege.

High rise fires in Dubai and New York: questions arise about dangerous cladding

A fire started on Monday November 7 in a 35 storey building in Dubai. The fire development in the bu...

High rise fires in Dubai and New York: questions arise about dangerous cladding

CTIF renewed MOU with FEU at signing ceremony in Madrid

CTIF and FEU renewed their Memorandum of Understanding in Madrid on Friday November 4th. Signing off...

CTIF renewed MOU with FEU at signing ceremony in Madrid

A screenshot from the NIST video "Predicting Deadly Backdrafts".

"Predicting Deadly Backdrafts": NIST works on machine learning application to help firefighters avoi...

A gaseous, energy rich environment has been created in a laboratory, simulating an enclosure fire.

"Predicting Deadly Backdrafts": NIST works on machine learning application to help firefighters avoid dangerous situations

First legal action taken against UK high rise building to remove dangerous cladding

The controversy has been who should carry the costs of removing and replacing the dangerous cladding...

First legal action taken against UK high rise building to remove dangerous cladding

Flags of countries represented at Delegates Assembly in Las Vegas, 2018

What is a CTIF National Committee and how should it work?

Each member country of CTIF is encouraged to form a National Committee, which serves as the local ch...

What is a CTIF National Committee and how should it work?

Scene of the explosion in Creeslough, Donegal, Ireland, which occurred on 7 October 2022. Photo: BBC / Wikipedia Fair Use license

Ten died in large gas station explosion in Ireland

Irish police say it was likely an accident or unforeseen technical failure which caused the explosio...

Ten died in large gas station explosion in Ireland

Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife. A family is being rescued in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane Ian killed at least 50 in Florida, South Carolina, Cuba and Puerto Rico

Hurricane Ian has left great devastation after it struck Florida last week. The death toll from the ...

Hurricane Ian killed at least 50 in Florida, South Carolina, Cuba and Puerto Rico

Hurricane Fiona as it approached the Canadian East Coast.

Powerful hurricanes hit the North American east coast

As Hurricane Ian nears Florida, Hurricane Fiona already hit Puerto Rico, left two dead in the Domini...

Powerful hurricanes hit the North American east coast

Firefighters helping a resident out from a building destroyed by bombs in spring 2022. Photo provided by the Ukraine State Emergency Services.

Under Fire - A special report on first responders in Ukraine

A top ranking official with the state Emergency Service of Ukraine spoke to the NFPA Journal about t...

Under Fire - A special report on first responders in Ukraine

A satellite image of Typhoon Nanmadol before it was downgraded to a cyclone.

Super typhoon hit Japan - Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico - 7,6 Earthquake in Mexico

The super typhoon Nanmadol brought gusts of up to 234km/h (145mph). It is equivalent to a category ...

Super typhoon hit Japan - Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico - 7,6 Earthquake in Mexico

Italian rescue services in the Ancona region rescuing victims of the flood with inflatable rescue dinghies.

Torrential rain killed at least 10 and injured 50 in the Marche region of Italy

This flash flood has been called a water bomb - streets have completely flooded in the Anconca regio...

Torrential rain killed at least 10 and injured 50 in the Marche region of Italy

Parts of the CTIF Executive Committee together with Paul Schroeder, WRO, and representatives of the Luxembourg fire service, outside the Headquarters building.

The CTIF Executive Committee held their yearly physical meeting in Luxembourg

On Sunday, some members of the EC also paid their respect on the 21st anniversary of 9/11, by attend...

The CTIF Executive Committee held their yearly physical meeting in Luxembourg

Paul Schroeder, chair of WRO, and Milan Dubravac, President of CTIF, signing the MOU in Luxembourg on September 10, 2022.

CTIF signs Memorandum of Understanding with WRO

The MOU was signed by Paul Schroeder, Chair of WRO and Milan Dubravac, President of CTIF, on Saturd...

CTIF signs Memorandum of Understanding with WRO

Millions affected by the floods in Pakistan - 1300 dead

Over 100,000 people living near the lake Manchar have been evacuated, according to media reports on ...

Millions affected by the floods in Pakistan - 1300 dead

All 2022 Reports from CTIF Commissions, Working Groups and Executive Committee in Célje

Delegates Assembly 2022 took place in Celje, Slovenia in July 2022. To read a summary report of the ...

All 2022 Reports from CTIF Commissions, Working Groups and Executive Committee in Célje

Photo: Screen shot from Sacramento Metro Fire Department Facebook video

Fire department ad hocs new extinguishing method for EV battery fire - with minimal water runoff

The Tesla was moved on its side but kept reigniting due to the residual heat. The fire crew then cre...

Fire department ad hocs new extinguishing method for EV battery fire - with minimal water runoff

This photo provided by the fire brigade of the Gironde region SDIS 33, (Departmental fire and rescue service 33) shows firefighters tackling a wildfire near Saint-Magne, south of Bordeaux, southwestern France early Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

Headlines from fire & rescue around the world - August 2022

FRANCE: Firefighters from all over Europe have arrived in France to help battle several wildfires, i...

Headlines from fire & rescue around the world - August 2022

"100 Cities – 100 Years - Evaluation Of Urban Fire Risks". Participate in CTIF´s research project

The Center of Fire Statistics of CTIF is working on an international book project called "100 C...

"100 Cities – 100 Years - Evaluation Of Urban Fire Risks". Participate in CTIF´s research project

The CTIF mascot "Fiore" cheered by thousands on the stands in Celje Stadium at CTIF 2022.

Large crews of dedicated Slovenian volunteers powered an amazing week at CTIF 2022 in Celje

Several events were taking place this past week: Not only did thousands of youth and adults from aro...

Large crews of dedicated Slovenian volunteers powered an amazing week at CTIF 2022 in Celje

The opening of of the CTIF 2022 Sports Games

See the live stream and videos from the CTIF Firefighters Olympics in Celje!

Watch the live stream as it is happening - it is also possible to watch the re-runs on both Facebook...

See the live stream and videos from the CTIF Firefighters Olympics in Celje!

CTIF´s Delegates Assembly in Celje had 26 countries present physically and virtually in Celje

Just like last year in Marseille, we have provided the possibility to connect virtually to Delegates...

CTIF´s Delegates Assembly in Celje had 26 countries present physically and virtually in Celje

The Bulgarian team training at the Ladder Obstacle Course in Celje on Monday, July 18

Firefighters Olympics Week has started in Slovenia!

In the photo above, we can see the Bulgarian team practicing on the ladder obstacle course at the S...

Firefighters Olympics Week has started in Slovenia!

200 firefighters form six EU countries are stationed in Greece for July and August 2022 to help prevent a re-occurance of last year´s forest fire inferno.

200 firefighters from six EU countries in Greece to help prevent another forest fire disaster in 202...

The wildfire units are in place for July and August when the wildfire risk is estimated to be the hi...

200 firefighters from six EU countries in Greece to help prevent another forest fire disaster in 2022

Sydney struck by flooding - thousands evacuated from Australia´s largest city

This is the second time this year the area has flooded. The rescue service has received 1,400 emerge...

Sydney struck by flooding - thousands evacuated from Australia´s largest city

Massive Chlorine Leak in Jordan - 12 dead and over 250 Injured

An intermodel tank container was reportedly dropped while being offloaded from a ship resulting a ma...

Massive Chlorine Leak in Jordan - 12 dead and over 250 Injured

The first members of the EC arrived on Monday for Interschutz

A productive week for CTIF networking at Interschutz - the world´s largest Fire & Rescue Exhibition

The CTIF Executive Committee met with many new and old friends from around the world at the Intersch...

A productive week for CTIF networking at Interschutz - the world´s largest Fire & Rescue Exhibition

The CTIF International Firefighters Competitions

A spectacular event gathering 3500 competitors from over 30 countries, with over 10 000 fans in the ...

The CTIF International Firefighters Competitions

An April 29 photo of the earth provided by NASA.

Snow, hail, high heat and unusual tornadoes - extreme weather patterns plagued the world in May 2022

Strong storms have swept through Germany and heat records have been broken in both Spain and France....

Snow, hail, high heat and unusual tornadoes - extreme weather patterns plagued the world in May 2022

A lithium-ion battery was exposed to force by using a hammer to test its fire safety. The battery in this test exploded. Photo: Tavo Romann / Wikipedia Commons

Large increase in lithium battery related fires over the last 6 years

The warning involves not only electric vehicles but anything from cell phones, headphones and comput...

Large increase in lithium battery related fires over the last 6 years

Historic catastrophes on Friday the 13th - Many still believe in the "Dark Powers" of this day

Many fear Friday the 13th - however modern research shows less fires than normal are reported than o...

Historic catastrophes on Friday the 13th - Many still believe in the "Dark Powers" of this day

From a rescue exercise with the Swedish Maritime Authority in 2015.

Helicopter winched an injured woman up from a mine shaft

The fire rescue team tending to her injuries assessed manual winching would be too risky and could w...

Helicopter winched an injured woman up from a mine shaft

A generic front page for CTIF Fire Statistics

The CTIF Fire Statistics Berlin office is urgently asking all member nations for 2020 fire statistic...

We kindly ask you to please note the May 1 deadline. CTIF regrets the short notice, but asks for you...

The CTIF Fire Statistics Berlin office is urgently asking all member nations for 2020 fire statistics by May 1st

Hundreds dead in South Africa flooding disaster

The death toll is rising after the floods in South Africa: More than 440 people have died after last...

Hundreds dead in South Africa flooding disaster

A screen shot from a video especially made for CTIF from the Ukraine State Emergency Service.

The Ukraine State Emergency Service is moving into closer cooperation with CTIF

Representatives from the Ukraine State Emergency Service met with Mira Leinonen of the CTIF WIFR com...

The Ukraine State Emergency Service is moving into closer cooperation with CTIF

Firefighters in Ukraine. Photo provided from a video by the State Emergency Service in Ukraine.

Firefighting in Ukraine: A special report to CTIF from the Ukraine State Emergency Service

Firefighting in general involves risk - Firefighting during an armed conflict makes those risks mult...

Firefighting in Ukraine: A special report to CTIF from the Ukraine State Emergency Service

Gas fuel firefighting training in Greece. Photo: The Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters Association

Report from the 7th meeting of the CTIF Volunteer Firefighter Commission

The Commission discussed the current status how the European Working Time Directive impacts voluntee...

Report from the 7th meeting of the CTIF Volunteer Firefighter Commission

A screenshot of WIFR's Monday March 28 meeting.

Report from the CTIF Women in Fire & Rescue Services monthly meeting

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire and Rescue Services is one of our most active commissions and ...

Report from the CTIF Women in Fire & Rescue Services monthly meeting

Firefighters convoy in the rear view mirror

Request to CTIF from Ukraine resulted in the "largest firefighters aid convoy in history" headed for...

An official call for help from the Ukraine to CTIF resulted in a huge truck convoy of around 55 Brit...

Request to CTIF from Ukraine resulted in the "largest firefighters aid convoy in history" headed for Poland

Firefighters involved in helping refugees from Ukraine.

Polish firefighters heavily involved in helping Ukraine refugees as 2 million come through Poland

Adults in panic, children in anxiety, helplessness. This is the what Polish fire officers observe ev...

Polish firefighters heavily involved in helping Ukraine refugees as 2 million come through Poland

The project Fire Aid in the UK is planning sending a large convoy of donated fire fighting material to Ukraine on the last weekend in March 2022.

Massive support from all around CTIF´s member nations to help firefighters in Ukraine

UPDATED MARCH 18: Large convoy of trucks with materials for Ukraine firefighters leaving Britain fo...

Massive support from all around CTIF´s member nations to help firefighters in Ukraine

Photo of a CTIF computer desktop and the official letter from Ukraine sent on March 14, 2022

CTIF receives call to coordinate help for firefighters in the war zone - directly from the Ukraine ...

The Executive Committee decided to day to forward the letter to all CTIF National Member Committee f...

CTIF receives call to coordinate help for firefighters in the war zone - directly from the Ukraine government

A burning building after bombing in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, March 3 Photo by: Maxim Dondyuk

Polish National CTIF Committee collecting body armour and helmets for firefighters in Ukraine

Firemen in Ukraine need body armor and helmets. Could you please help under the CTIF with additional...

Polish National CTIF Committee collecting body armour and helmets for firefighters in Ukraine

CTIF Executive Committee met today with the European Commissioner for Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid

CTIF Executive Committee met with the European Commissioner for Disaster Management

Members of the CTIF Executive Committee were in Brussels for a quickly called meeting with Janez Len...

CTIF Executive Committee met with the European Commissioner for Disaster Management

Official Statement from the CTIF Executive Committee regarding the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine

March 2, 2022. CTIF, as a non-political organisation, condemns aggressive military action against ...

Official Statement from the CTIF Executive Committee regarding the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine

A man is being rescued by helicopter during a 2018 storm in White Rock, BC, which destroyed the iconic wooden pier as moored boats came loose and smashed against the woodwork. Photo: Public Domain

Franklin third hurricane in five days to hit Europe

While Storms Dudley and Eunice had barely subsided from last week, Storm Franklin hit Northern Europ...

Franklin third hurricane in five days to hit Europe

Fire truck from the City of Essen. Photo: Wikipedia

150 firefighters responded to a large wind driven apartment building fire in Essen, Germany

The fire may have spread through the facade insulation, and wind gusts from the storms from storms l...

150 firefighters responded to a large wind driven apartment building fire in Essen, Germany

Ice Road in Lake Saimaa Finland. Photo taken in 2009, by Wikipedia.

Rescue worker fell through ice - first deadly firefighter accident in Finland in 18 years

The rescue worker fell through the ice while responding to an accident involving ice road equipment ...

Rescue worker fell through ice - first deadly firefighter accident in Finland in 18 years

Rue Arago, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. Photo from 2015 by Wikipedia.

Explosion and fire kills seven people in south-western France

Several buildings on both sides of the streets caught fire after an explosion occurred at 13.30 CET ...

Explosion and fire kills seven people in south-western France

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau photographed while deliversíng a message to the nation on Canada Day in 2021. Photo by Wikipedia

National emergency in Canada over nationwide illegal blockades

After multiple assault weapons and body armors were found at one of the many illegal border crossing...

National emergency in Canada over nationwide illegal blockades

Two commuter trains near Munich collided - One dead, 14 people injured

At least 14 people have been injured. Around 80 people have been medically examined and were able to...

Two commuter trains near Munich collided - One dead, 14 people injured

Anti vaccine mandate protestors on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, in the beginning of February, 2022. Photo: Wikipedia

Paris and Brussels put bans in place to stop Canadian-inspired copycat trucker convoy in its tracks

Convoys have been organising online and seem to be coming from various political and ideological bac...

Paris and Brussels put bans in place to stop Canadian-inspired copycat trucker convoy in its tracks

Covid passport crossed out by a blue X. Illustration by Pixabay.com, edited by CTIF.org.

Europe and the US are easing up pandemic restrictions - but some countries keep their mandates in p...

In England face masks will no longer be mandatory in public places and schools and COVID-19 passport...

Europe and the US are easing up pandemic restrictions - but some countries keep their mandates in place

Grenfell Tower in London before the 2009 renovation. Photo: Wikipedia

Second phase of Grenfell inquiry: "There will be a major fire" - civil servant foretold the tragedy

A UK senior civil servant is said to have uttered a warning that “there is going to be a major fire”...

Second phase of Grenfell inquiry: "There will be a major fire" - civil servant foretold the tragedy

Freedom Convoy lined up on Wellington Street in Ottawa on January 28, 2022. Photo: Wikipedia

Ottawa declares State of Emergency as anti-covid demonstrations turn volatile

While Germany has already experienced demonstrations since the beginning of January, thousands of p...

Ottawa declares State of Emergency as anti-covid demonstrations turn volatile

A weather map of Storm Malik as it was pulling in over Scotland at the end of January, 2022.

Powerful storms hit Europe and the Americas - Storm Malik killed at least 4

The last week of January continued the stormy trend from late 2021: Storm Malik killed 4 people in E...

Powerful storms hit Europe and the Americas - Storm Malik killed at least 4

Apartment tower twice as high as Grenfell planned in London - with one single staircase

The London Fire Brigade has serious concerns about the single staircase planned in the 170 meter res...

Apartment tower twice as high as Grenfell planned in London - with one single staircase

Welcome to CTIF Canada!

Canada joins through the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, CAFC. Canada was voted in as a new mem...

Welcome to CTIF Canada!

Photo Credit: (Cover Photo Above) Public Domain Photo from the US National Archives Title: Firefighters in Colorado Production Date: 01/08/2009 Photographer Name: Michael Rieger

How much are forest fires in themselves driving climate change? And how should firefighting resource...

Should communities put their increasing climate budgets into extinguishing or prevention power?

How much are forest fires in themselves driving climate change? And how should firefighting resources be best spent from a CO2 perspective?

Drone shot of the high rise building in the Bronx which caught fire on January 9th. Photo by the New York Fire Department.

Smoke inhalation killed 19 people when door was left open in Bronx high rise fire

Up to 200 firefighters allegedly responded to the alarm. Firefighters found victims in cardiac and r...

Smoke inhalation killed 19 people when door was left open in Bronx high rise fire

CTIF Newsletter: A summary of the past year - Stay Safe in 2022!

Dear colleagues, during 2020-21, CTIF´s activities were strongly influenced by a worldwide pandemic,...

CTIF Newsletter: A summary of the past year - Stay Safe in 2022!

Large plumes of smoke are visible over Superior, CO around 2:00 PM MST, as seen from State Highway 128 near Indiana St, looking north. Date 30 December, 2021. Author Tristantech

Devastating wildfire in Colorado, six feet of snow in California, Alaska heat record and ice storm

Extreme weather continued to plague the north western parts of the United States between the Christm...

Devastating wildfire in Colorado, six feet of snow in California, Alaska heat record and ice storm

IAEA guidelines for first response during the crucial hours following a nuclear event

CTIF sponsored document in multiple languages for the first crucial hours following a radiological e...

IAEA guidelines for first response during the crucial hours following a nuclear event

Picture of the huge straw Yule goat in Gefle Sweden. Wikipedia Commons License. The picture was taken at noon december 21, 2009. Date 21 December 2009 Source Own work Author Tony Nordin

Man arrested after decades of mysterious "Yule Goat" arson fires

The statue is made from natural straw on a steel frame and is highly flammable. The first time it bu...

Man arrested after decades of mysterious "Yule Goat" arson fires

2021

Picture: Henry Donati/Department for International Development Date 24 November 2013, 10:18 Source A few palm trees remain standing amid the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the city of Tacloban, Philippines

Hundreds of thousands affected by extreme weather events around the globe in December

375 people have been confirmed dead after typhoon Rai struck the Philippines the week before Christm...

Hundreds of thousands affected by extreme weather events around the globe in December

HyResponder training package on the e-Platform

This is the official newsletter from the CTIF-supported hydrogen training project HyResponder.

HyResponder training package on the e-Platform

December newsletter - German

December 2021 Newsletter - French

Nakanoshima Skyscrapers in 201407 001.jpg Wikipedia Commons License. Created on 16 July 2014, 10:06:16

27 dead in fire in Osaka - Arson suspected

Of the 28 people who were directly affected by the fire, 27 showed no signs of life, according to a ...

27 dead in fire in Osaka - Arson suspected

A historic storm system devastated Western Kentucky. Ken Heron and Senator Westerfield filmed the aftermath.

Tornados killed a hundred or more in the US - close to 100 000 people without power for weeks

More than 50 tornadoes have devastated entire communities in six US states.The hope of finding survi...

Tornados killed a hundred or more in the US - close to 100 000 people without power for weeks

Photo of the burning ship by the Swedish Coast Guard

Burning ship towed to the Port of Gothenburg - despite concerns of hazardous leaks and possible expl...

The decision was made despite the Port of Gothenburg recommending other alternatives.

Burning ship towed to the Port of Gothenburg - despite concerns of hazardous leaks and possible explosions

Volcanic eruption on La Palma. Photo by Pixabay

Better monitoring systems for volcanic activity offers more time to prepare evacuation

The early alert on La Palmas made it possible to evacuate residents in the immediate area of the vol...

Better monitoring systems for volcanic activity offers more time to prepare evacuation

Photo provided by the Swedish Coast Guard

Bulk carrier ship with 40,000 m2 of timber caught fire off the Swedish coast

One large consideration is the large amount of fuel carried on the cargo ship, which could end up le...

Bulk carrier ship with 40,000 m2 of timber caught fire off the Swedish coast

An electric bus on display at UITP´s exhibition Busworld.

CTIF renews Memorandum of Understanding with UITP

The Memorandum of Understanding between the International Public Transport Association (The cooperat...

CTIF renews Memorandum of Understanding with UITP

The Listvyazhnaya mine in Siberia, where over 50 people died in a methane explosion on Thursday. Screenshot from a video provided by the Russian Rescue Authorities.

Methane explosion killed dozens of workers and three rescuers in Siberian coal mine

A total of 239 people, were evacuated successfully. 11 miners and three rescuers died while searchin...

Methane explosion killed dozens of workers and three rescuers in Siberian coal mine

Cover Photo (Above) Screenshot of the ITV News video on YouTube, featured below.

Falling trees kills three people in UK - 100 000 without power from Storm Arwen

Hundreds of thousands of households have lost power, while the storm has led to major traffic disrup...

Falling trees kills three people in UK - 100 000 without power from Storm Arwen

Screenshot from a YouTube video from the Sun, featured below.

46 people dead in a bus accident in Bulgaria

At least seven injured people have been taken to hospital in the capital Sofia. According to medical...

46 people dead in a bus accident in Bulgaria

Much of Large parts of the town of Princeton, B.C., was under water on Monday. Photo by Misty Oceanna

Extreme weather hit Western Canada for the second time this year

300 people stuck in mudslides were rescued by helicopter. BC has been hit by major floods and strong...

Extreme weather hit Western Canada for the second time this year

Cover page of "Pre-incident planning of fires in underground hard rock mines: old and new risks"

New research paper on mitigating the risks in underground fires

Fires in underground mines may pose a challenge to fire and rescue personnel where the complex envir...

New research paper on mitigating the risks in underground fires

Rescue efforts in the aftermath of the cave collapse which killed nine Brazilian firefighters during an exercise on October 31st. Photo: Bomberos de Sao Paulo

Nine firefighters died in a cave collapse during training drill

26 firefighters were in the cave when the accident occurred. Many of the victims were trapped, and a...

Nine firefighters died in a cave collapse during training drill

Two female Swedish firefighters. Photo: KIRTJ.se

An overview of CTIF´s Commissions and Activities

CTIF is one of the few international organisations that have survived two world wars, as well as the...

An overview of CTIF´s Commissions and Activities

One wrench bullying four small wrenches. Photo: PH Sphere, Wikipedia Commons License.

CTIF adopts official Code of Conduct document against harassment and bullying

Fire and rescue is about safety - Fire services need to be safe also for our employees and volunteer...

CTIF adopts official Code of Conduct document against harassment and bullying

Delegates Assembly 2021 in Marseille. To the right, CTIF´s new vice president Yvonne Näsman, from Sweden. Photo: Björn Ulfsson / CTIF

CTIF performed hybrid Delegates Assembly with physical and virtual attendance in Marseille 2021

The DA voted in a new vice president, Yvonne Näsman, Sweden. CTIF also welcomes Canada as a new Ordi...

CTIF performed hybrid Delegates Assembly with physical and virtual attendance in Marseille 2021

Information for the 19:30 Gala Dinner tonight for all registered Delegates

Dear CTIF Delegates, please see the graphic map how to find your way to the CTIF Gala Dinner tonig...

Information for the 19:30 Gala Dinner tonight for all registered Delegates

Military band at the opening of the French Congress for firefighters. Photo: Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF

The French Firefighters Congress In Marseille has started with Pomp and Circumstance

Today Wednesday the French Congress for firefighters opened with a large audience, a military band a...

The French Firefighters Congress In Marseille has started with Pomp and Circumstance

The CTIF associate Members meeting on Zoom October 7.

CTIF starts networking meetings online with Associate Members

CTIFs corporate Associate Members are an important source of knowledge and experience for our membe...

CTIF starts networking meetings online with Associate Members

The front entrance to Park Chanot in Marseille

Delegates Assembly in Marseille 2021 - Detailed information about the week

CTIF France will arrange transport from the Marseille-Provence airport to the hotel. Please communic...

Delegates Assembly in Marseille 2021 - Detailed information about the week

Flooding in Aidlingen on 15.05.2009. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

CFPA Europe is looking for input from CTIF members on two new Fire Safety Recommendations

CFPA Europe wants comments on "Water Supply for Fire Fighting in Extreme Weather Conditions&quo...

CFPA Europe is looking for input from CTIF members on two new Fire Safety Recommendations

A clinician helping a COVID-19 patient with an oxygen mask in a hospital in Iran. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Hundreds of patients killed in hospital fires due to accidents with oxygen during the pandemic

According to the JRC, around 50 oxygen fires have occurred around the world during the pandemic:

Hundreds of patients killed in hospital fires due to accidents with oxygen during the pandemic

The participants of the Monday 27 Commission Meeting for CTIF Women in Fire & Rescue.

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue discussed transgender issues at monthly meeting

The main speakers were Acting District Chief Sofie Lasiuk from the Toronto Fire Service and Ms Jeong...

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue discussed transgender issues at monthly meeting

Övre Husarbygatan in central Gothenburg where the explosion occurred September 28th, 2021. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Explosion and multiple fires in central Gothenburg

According to local police, the explosion was not an accident. 140 people people have had to evacua...

Explosion and multiple fires in central Gothenburg

Lava fountain and molten lava flow at Piton de la Fournaise volcano on the island of Reunion on 4 January 2010. Photo: Wikipedia Commons.

Thousands of residents evacuated after volcanic eruptions on La Palma, Canary Islands

Around 6,000 people have been evacuated and hundreds of homes have been destroyed by lava and fire. ...

Thousands of residents evacuated after volcanic eruptions on La Palma, Canary Islands

The Elie tornado as it was approaching the town of Elie, Manitoba, during the late afternoon/early evening hours of June 22, 2007. Photo: Wikipedia

Extreme weather is costing billions - and the costs are expected to keep increasing

The number of category 3 - 5 hurricanes or cyclones has increased over the past forty years, alleged...

Extreme weather is costing billions - and the costs are expected to keep increasing

US - Canada heatwave map July 2021. Illustration by the European Space Agency

After the 2021 heat dome that killed 800 - BC hires hundreds of new paramedics

A severely understaffed ambulance system had thousands of residents wait for up to several hours for...

After the 2021 heat dome that killed 800 - BC hires hundreds of new paramedics

"Mimi" Mireille Glauser (left) and her workmates during the Basel Women´s Run on September 11th.

Europe showing signs of post pandemic reopening: The Annual Basel Women´s Run almost back to normal

In full bunker gear, Mimi Glauser from the CTIF Commission for Women in Fire and Rescue ran with thr...

Europe showing signs of post pandemic reopening: The Annual Basel Women´s Run almost back to normal

Map of Spain and the Estepona resort town which was evacuated on short notice after a firefightter died on duty wile fighting the fire on Thursday.

Wildfire kills firefighter in Spain - 1000 residents given only minutes to evacuate

Around 400 firefighters were fighting the forest fire which started late Wednesday in the mountains ...

Wildfire kills firefighter in Spain - 1000 residents given only minutes to evacuate

Drawing of the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia.

The extraordinary story of fire protecting one of Russia´s largest antique monuments

The Bolshoi Theatre has 9864 cutting-edge detectors, 580 fire hydrant cabinets and 4000 sprinklers, ...

The extraordinary story of fire protecting one of Russia´s largest antique monuments

Marseille, France. Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

Virtual and physical registrations open for Delegates Assembly in Marseille

For those unable to travel physically, a remote video conferencing option will be included at no cos...

Virtual and physical registrations open for Delegates Assembly in Marseille

Solar panel installation Photo courtecy of https://www.infopool.org.uk/5-important-solar-panel-maintenance-tips/

Insurance companies demanding mandatory inspections of solar panel installations

As more and more people acquire solar cells, the risk of fires due to improper installations is by u...

Insurance companies demanding mandatory inspections of solar panel installations

Hurricane Ida Makes Landfall in Louisiana Hurricane Ida is seen in this image taken aboard the International Space Station. Image credit: European Space Agency

Hurricane Ida causes severe flooding - State of Emergency announced in New York

In New York City, more than 170 millimeters of rain fell in just over six hours, which has led to se...

Hurricane Ida causes severe flooding - State of Emergency announced in New York

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License. The Angora Fire was a wind driven fire that started near North Upper Truckee Road subdivision near Angora Lakes, Fallen Leaf Lake, Echo Lake and South Lake Tahoe, California around 2:15 PM on Sunday, June 24, 2007 as a result of an illegal campfire.

Fire season not nearly over in California - an entire lake resort ordered to evacuate overnight

Thousands of people had to urgently evacuate from the resort town of South Lake Tahoe at the end of...

Fire season not nearly over in California - an entire lake resort ordered to evacuate overnight

Hurricane Stan was a relatively weak but deadly tropical cyclone that affected areas of Central America and Mexico in early October 2005.Photo courtesy of https://pixnio.com.

Two seasonal storms struck USA and Mexico at the same time

All of New Orleans is without electricity and a total of over one million households and businesses ...

Two seasonal storms struck USA and Mexico at the same time

IEDO wins award for CTIF-supported Best Practices report on Emergency Drone usage

It is a great success for all the volunteer contributors who have collaborated in that project. Than...

IEDO wins award for CTIF-supported Best Practices report on Emergency Drone usage

A satellite image of Hurricane Henry as it was heading for Long Island, New York. Infrared satellite image of Hurricane Henri at 1620Z (12:20 p.m. EDT) Saturday, August 21, 2021. (Image credit: RAMMB/CIRA/CSU)

Hurricane Henry kills at least 22 in Tennessee - 45 still missing

Among the dead are allegedly two infants. They were twins and are said to have been torn out of thei...

Hurricane Henry kills at least 22 in Tennessee - 45 still missing

UK Fire Service Search and Rescue team at work in Haiti UK firefighters at work in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. To find out more about how the UK is helping in Haiti, please visit www.dfid.gov.uk/haiti-earthquake Image credit: UK Fire Service. Taken on 15 January 2010.

Death toll in Haiti earthquake adjusted to 2200 - 60000 homes destroyed

Nearly 60,000 houses are estimated to have been destroyed in the country, and 1000s are injured.

Death toll in Haiti earthquake adjusted to 2200 - 60000 homes destroyed

Flooding in Luxemburg during Storm Bernd. Photo: Luxemburg Fire Services

German and Belgian governments sued for criminal neglect and slow response during Storm Bernd

The initial investigation by the Koblenz Public Prosecutors Office has raised suspicions that evacua...

German and Belgian governments sued for criminal neglect and slow response during Storm Bernd

Greek wildfire destroying a home during August 2021. Photo by Felton Davis, Flickr.

Southern France now also battling large forest fires - New fires near Athens

7,000 locals and tourists have been evacuated from when the smoke and flames began to get closer and...

Southern France now also battling large forest fires - New fires near Athens

Grand Canyon National Park: Prescribed Pile Burning, May, 2019 1114 Grand Canyon National Park fire managers have been initiating prescribed pile burning during the last week of May, 2019, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. This photo was taken on Thursday, May 30, 2019.

Modern forestry practices may be partly to blame for North American wildfire crisis

“Even if we were able to turn back the dial on climate change we would still have wildfires that are...

Modern forestry practices may be partly to blame for North American wildfire crisis

New wildfires starting in Greece - arson suspected

Three communities in the area were ordered evacuated. The fire department sent in firefighters, wate...

New wildfires starting in Greece - arson suspected

Heavy death toll in Black Sea flash floods

Around 1,700 people have been evacuated, some from rooftops by helicopter. The flash floods have de...

Heavy death toll in Black Sea flash floods

Beriev Be-200ES water bomber © Dmitriy Pichugin on Wikimedia

Water bomber crashed in Turkey during wildfire mission

All eight crew members are reported dead. The water scooping BE-200 crashed on Saturday in a steep m...

Water bomber crashed in Turkey during wildfire mission

Photo by Flickr. Multiple fires and thick smoke plumes in the Sakha Republic, Russia (Lat: 63.13, Lng: 117.95) - July 8th, 2021- Image contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data [2021], processed by Pierre Markuse. Image shows an area about 176 kilometers wide.

An overview of devastating wildfires during the summer of 2021

4 million hectares have burned in Siberia and in many areas wildfires more than doubled compared to ...

An overview of devastating wildfires during the summer of 2021

Thousands forced to evacuate 2021 in Greece as enormous wildfires threaten Athens

The temperature in several places in Greece is approaching 40 degrees / 104 F. Greece has asked for...

Thousands forced to evacuate 2021 in Greece as enormous wildfires threaten Athens

Hurricane Florence photographed from the ISS. Photo: Wikipedia

Extreme weather in small localized areas could be our new global reality for years to come

Almost all parts of the world have been experiencing some kind of unusual and extreme weather phenom...

Extreme weather in small localized areas could be our new global reality for years to come

The Netherlands may have escaped the floods partly through better preparedness

Holland has a history of keeping strong defences against the sea, and this preparedness may have bee...

The Netherlands may have escaped the floods partly through better preparedness

Flooding in Shenzhen, China. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

A year´s worth of rain fell in a few days in China - Only days after Storm Bernd in Europe

Almost all parts of the world has been experiencing some kind of unusual and extreme weather phenome...

A year´s worth of rain fell in a few days in China - Only days after Storm Bernd in Europe

Rescue efforts on flooded streets in Luxemburg. Photo courtesy: Luxemburg fire and rescue

200 dead and more are missing in central European rain storm - rescue divers have been called in to ...

Many of the victims have been found in flooded basements where they tried to retrieve their valuable...

200 dead and more are missing in central European rain storm - rescue divers have been called in to recover victims

Over 90 people killed in hospital fire in Iraq - oxygen tank explosion likely the cause

The incident is the second of its kind this year. In April, 82 people lost their lives in a fire at...

Over 90 people killed in hospital fire in Iraq - oxygen tank explosion likely the cause

Map over Canada¨s most western province, British Columbia

Over 800 dead in historic Western Canada 2021 heat dome: Chaos at 911, town burned to the ground

Paramedics and 911 dispatchers desperate as the volume of emergency calls vastly outnumbered the ava...

Over 800 dead in historic Western Canada 2021 heat dome: Chaos at 911, town burned to the ground

Screen shot from the video by below by FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

No more survivors - USAR teams hindered by heavy fire in Miami highrise collapse

More than 150 people are still missing since the collapse on Friday. The official death toll of conf...

No more survivors - USAR teams hindered by heavy fire in Miami highrise collapse

Overview if the Beijing shopping mall where a lithium battery explosion killed two firefighters on April 16.

Accident analysis of the Beijing lithium battery explosion which killed two firefighters

Here is the downloadable report from the incident, translated within the network of the HyResponder ...

Accident analysis of the Beijing lithium battery explosion which killed two firefighters

Map over the Mariana Islands in relationship to Japan. Illustration by Wikipedia Commons

23 US territory firefighters refused the Covid-19 vaccine - nine of them are now fired from their jo...

Originally 23 firefighters refused to take the Covid-19 vaccine. Allegedly, they said they would in ...

23 US territory firefighters refused the Covid-19 vaccine - nine of them are now fired from their jobs

Screenshot from the YouTube video by The Telegraph, featured below in this article.

Highrise fire in Poplar East London had similar cladding as Grenfell Tower

38 adults and four children were treated at the scene by paramedics for shock and smoke inhalation. ...

Highrise fire in Poplar East London had similar cladding as Grenfell Tower

CTIF´s Commission & Work Group Chairs met for a three hour video conference

The core of CTIF´s work has always been with the Commissions and Working Groups. Ever si

CTIF´s Commission & Work Group Chairs met for a three hour video conference

Video lectures from the CTIF "Seminar Fire, Rescue & New Challenges 2021"

See the Zoom lectures divided into sex videos, one for each presenter, from our CTIF seminar "F...

Video lectures from the CTIF "Seminar Fire, Rescue & New Challenges 2021"

The concept is based on separating showers and change rooms rather than separating the entire crew during cleanup after an intervention.The Attunda fire station in the Greater Stockholm region was one of the first in Sweden to embrace the new Social Building Code 18. Photo by KIRTJ.se.

New Swedish gender neutral "recovery room" concept with separated showers allow male and female fire...

Keep the conversations going: The concept allows for individual privacy without needing to separate ...

New Swedish gender neutral "recovery room" concept with separated showers allow male and female firefighters to debrief together after calls

Full scale fire test with a mining vehicle in a mine, performed by Rickard Hansen. Screenshot from a video.

The passive fire protection of mining vehicles in underground mines

It is highly important to mitigate vehicle fires in underground mines before they happen in the firs...

The passive fire protection of mining vehicles in underground mines

An apartment fire in Queens, NYC, injured 16 firefighters on April 6, 2021. Photo: NYFD

16 firefighters injured in New York apartment fire

About 400 firefighters responded to the fire that started Tuesday afternoon on the top floor of a si...

16 firefighters injured in New York apartment fire

Firefighter exercising doing pushups. Photo: Wikipedia Commons License.

Exercise reduces the risk of being severely affected by covid-19

Being inactive more than doubled the risk of being hospitalized compared to being active. Inactive p...

Exercise reduces the risk of being severely affected by covid-19

The Italian CBRN team on mission in Beirut in August 2020.

Stefania Fiore tops April 22 Seminar speaker list with Beirut CBRN mission during Covid-19 pandemic

The CBRN mission was dangerous and complicated during the aftermath of the blast.

Stefania Fiore tops April 22 Seminar speaker list with Beirut CBRN mission during Covid-19 pandemic

Pfizer vaccine Covid-19. Photo by Pfizer Canada.

Study on first responders and health care workers shows 80 % effectiveness after just one shot of Co...

After the second injection, the effectiveness increased to 95 % according to data from a real-world ...

Study on first responders and health care workers shows 80 % effectiveness after just one shot of Covid-19 vaccine

The CTIF seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" is reborn as a webinar on April 22

Challenges during Covid-19, CBRN-efforts in the Beirut explosion, LNG-testing and Wildfires as a thr...

The CTIF seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" is reborn as a webinar on April 22

Screenshot from the You Tube video featured in the article.

Icelandic fire services concerned about dangerous "volcano tourism"

People from all over the world are travelling to Iceland to watch the volcanic eruption on the Reykj...

Icelandic fire services concerned about dangerous "volcano tourism"

The front cover of the French report on the Covid-19 crisis

Firefighters feeling excluded and undervalued in the early phase of Covid-19

Firefighters did not have priority access to PPE and were not included in the communication from the...

Firefighters feeling excluded and undervalued in the early phase of Covid-19

Bronnie Mackintosh is a Winston Churchill Fellowship recipient. As a station officer with Fire and Rescue NSW, she travelled the world to research how international fire agencies are changing their workforces to be more reflective of the diverse communities they protect. Photo: Screenshot from the TedX talk video.

How diversity in Fire and Rescue will build a safer society

Bronnie Mackintosh travelled the world to research how international fire agencies are changing thei...

How diversity in Fire and Rescue will build a safer society

The CTIF History Commission met physically, with face masks, on February 26, with the Chair, Gerald Schimpff, participating via video link.

The CTIF History Commission had their first meeting since the pandemic

There were 18 participant countries at the meeting, containing 3 new member countries: Belarus, Russ...

The CTIF History Commission had their first meeting since the pandemic

Karl Heinz Banse is the new DFV President since February 27, 2021. Photo: Matthias Oestrecher / DFV

Karl-Heinz Banse has been elected as the new President of the German Fire Brigade Association

Regaining trust, more lobbying, transparency, intensifying association work in a wide variety of fi...

Karl-Heinz Banse has been elected as the new President of the German Fire Brigade Association

Mapping technique - Safe viewing angle. Illustration from the IEDO Best Drone Pracitice Report 2020.

IEDO releases its first international Best Drone Practices for 2020 - with support from CTIF

A synthesis of lessons learned in the field, local emerging initiatives and common practices widespr...

IEDO releases its first international Best Drone Practices for 2020 - with support from CTIF

The photo shows the airport in Sicily when the corona virus first appeared there. Photo by TV.com

Early detection and closed borders is how Taiwan claims to have conquered the Corona virus

How did such a densely populated country become the best in the world at fighting the novel Corona v...

Early detection and closed borders is how Taiwan claims to have conquered the Corona virus

Clip art of a male and a female firefighter https://www.cleanpng.com/png-firefighter-digg-stumbleupon-firefighter-973980/

Research shows male firefighters may be stronger - but overall work performance can be the same or b...

Men are muscle strong, but women firefighters´aerobic capacity is the same or better. This can resul...

Research shows male firefighters may be stronger - but overall work performance can be the same or better for women

The entire CTIF History Commission and the Study Group as it stood in 2019.

The CTIF History Commission invites all member countries to send a delegate to their next meeting

February 26th, 2021: All National Committees that currently have no delegates in the Commission (B, ...

The CTIF History Commission invites all member countries to send a delegate to their next meeting

Marseille, France, will be the location for the Delegates Assembly 2021. Photo: Wikipedia Commons License.

New date and location for Delegates Assembly 2021

Delegate’s Assembly 2021 will take place in Marseille, France, on Friday, 15th of October 2021.

New date and location for Delegates Assembly 2021

The first CTIF Best Practice Procedures Award was given to Michel Gentilleau for the outstanding work he and his colleague Serge Delauney have carried out regarding new energies and vehicles.

Michel Gentilleau and Serge Delauney received the CTIF Best Practice Award

In the report from Delegates Assembly 2015, we can read that CTIF gave out an award for Best Practic...

Michel Gentilleau and Serge Delauney received the CTIF Best Practice Award

Calgary skyline and Scotiabank Saddledome

Calgary fire chief admits a sub culture of bullying, racism and fear exists in the department

CTIF News has previously reported on racism and sexism being a problem in many fire stations around ...

Calgary fire chief admits a sub culture of bullying, racism and fear exists in the department

The area in Madrd affected by the Jan 20 explosion. Photo by Emergencias Madrid

Five floors destroyed and falling debris crushed cars in deadly Madrid explosion

At least three people have been killed 11 people injured in the explosion thought to have been cause...

Five floors destroyed and falling debris crushed cars in deadly Madrid explosion

Map of the January 14 earthquake area in Indonesia. Illustration by USGS, https://earthquake.usgs.gov/

Over 40 dead in earthquake in Indonesia

At least 42 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a...

Over 40 dead in earthquake in Indonesia

Interschutz postponed until 2022 - CTIF´s Delegates Assembly postponed until Autumn 2021

CTIF will communicate the new plans for Delegates Assembly 2021 shortly when the EC has assessed wha...

Interschutz postponed until 2022 - CTIF´s Delegates Assembly postponed until Autumn 2021

Map of the region affected by the landslide

Seven dead in Norway landslide - more victims expected to be found by SAR teams

The landslide hit an area of 300 X 700 meters (980 to 2300 feet). 900 people living on or close to t...

Seven dead in Norway landslide - more victims expected to be found by SAR teams

CTIF and IEDO cooperate to create Best Practice Procedures for emergency drones

CTIF and the International Emergency Drone Organisation (IEDO) has signed a Memorandum of Understand...

CTIF and IEDO cooperate to create Best Practice Procedures for emergency drones

2020

The CTIF Tunnelfire Working group met virtually

The upper floors of Grenfell Tower after the fire. Photo by Wikipedia

Ex-employee admits fire tests for Grenfell styrofoam panels were fake

Celotex behaved in a “completely unethical” way, admitted Jonathan Roper, a former assistant product...

Ex-employee admits fire tests for Grenfell styrofoam panels were fake

News from Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters Association

Panagiotis Plexidas, 27, was battling a brush fire along with his colleagues of the Volunteer Fire S...

News from Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters Association

Some of the speakers at the Virtual Fire Investigations Meeting

Interesting case studies presented at the virtual Fire Investigations Meeting

See eight 15 minute case study videos from the virtual conference held in Budapest on November 11, 2...

Interesting case studies presented at the virtual Fire Investigations Meeting

New NFPA Guide for Structural Firefighting released

Nicole Hladic took her own life at age 27 after a shift change at the fire station, and the family is demanding answers. Photo by the Nicole Hladik Memorial page.

Inequality in the fire services still a hot topic around the world

There are still serious problems with gender inequality, racism, sexism and bullying in the workplac...

Inequality in the fire services still a hot topic around the world

Screenshot of the Delegates Assembly 2020, held virtually on October 21st.

CTIF´s commissions and working groups encouraged to continue their work virtually during the pandemi...

These recommendations / restrictions are currently active for winter 2020 and spring 2021. However ...

CTIF´s commissions and working groups encouraged to continue their work virtually during the pandemic

New Honorary Member of CTIF Tore Eriksson, President 2012 - 2020

DA 2020: Activity Report of Tore Eriksson, CTIF President 2012 - 2020

For the first time in recent decades we have been hit by a world-wide pandemic, Corona Covid 19. It ...

DA 2020: Activity Report of Tore Eriksson, CTIF President 2012 - 2020

Milan Dubravac (Slovenia) was elected president of CTIF on October 21, 2020

CTIF´s first ever Virtual Delegates Assembly 2020 elected a new President and three new Vice Preside...

The Head Office in Ljubljana chaired the meeting, while the previous President led his part from Swe...

CTIF´s first ever Virtual Delegates Assembly 2020 elected a new President and three new Vice Presidents

Mikko being interviewed for a social media campaign about the ISO standard being implemented in Finland. Photo by Kimmo Kaisto, Pelastustieto- magazine

Finland first among Nordic countries to implement the new ISO 17840 standard for alternative propuls...

Using fire trucks as an example has been a very successful strategy in Finland - there have been sev...

Finland first among Nordic countries to implement the new ISO 17840 standard for alternative propulsion vehicles

Hydrogen Response - Please support this CTIF partner project by taking the survey

CITF is part of an EU training project - help us understand your needs by taking the survey.

Hydrogen Response - Please support this CTIF partner project by taking the survey

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA -- Flames of the Simi Valley fire ravage a Southern California mountain side. This is one of many catastrophic fires that plauged Southern California. U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules pilots flew eight C-130 cargo airplanes and dropped 129,600 gallons of retardant on the Simi fire during 48 sorties and 32 flying hours as of Oct. 29. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Dennis W. Goff)

More than ten thousand buildings and over one million acres destroyed in California forest fires

Aftermath of the high rise fire in Bohumin. Photo from the video by the Czech fire services.

Highrise fire in Czech Republic claimed 11 lives and injured two firefighters

8 fire brigades intervened on site with a total of 9 tankers, two ladder trucks, one platform and 46...

Highrise fire in Czech Republic claimed 11 lives and injured two firefighters

French SAr-specialists on their way to Beirut. Photo by the UIISC 1.

CTIF member countries send SAR teams to help with Beirut´s efforts to find survivors

The "Apple Fire" in California. Screenshot from the NBC video below.

California forest fires are forcing thousands to evacuate

6 helicopters, 178 fire engines, and 19 water tankers are fighting the fire. Covid-19 protocols such...

California forest fires are forcing thousands to evacuate

Cloud seeding is the formal term for manipulating rain clouds. Illustration by Wikipedia.

Russia fights Siberian forest fires by manipulating rain clouds

This method aims to control how much rain an area receives and where the rain falls. This is not a m...

Russia fights Siberian forest fires by manipulating rain clouds

Map of the effected river area in China. Illustration by Wikipedia

China prepares for a record flooding season

A flooded river destroying a community during the 2020 torrential rain storm in Japan. (Geospatial Information Authority of Japan) Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

More than 60 people are feared dead in floods in Japan

Amazon fires 15-22 August 2019. Satellite image taken by MODIS. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Forest fire season in the Amazonas could get worse this year than 2019

Photo showing the truck and the LNG tank after the accident

Lessons learned from accident with a heavy LNG powered vehicle - now in several translated languages

Traffic accidents involving LGN vehicles require different intervention procedures than for gasoline...

Lessons learned from accident with a heavy LNG powered vehicle - now in several translated languages

Screen shot from the virtual meeting, with some of the members of the CTIF Women in Fire & Rescue Commission and other invited participants.

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue met with 32 participants from multiple time zones of ...

The timing of the meeting was carefully planned by each commission member and other stakeholders bei...

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue met with 32 participants from multiple time zones of the world

Tehran Fire Department Dispatch a Team to Extinguish Wildfire in south western Iran

The fire outbreaks in the west, southwest and south of Iran over the past weeks have completely burn...

Tehran Fire Department Dispatch a Team to Extinguish Wildfire in south western Iran

Rescuers in the water after Hurricane Amanda. Screen shot from the video by France 24

At least 26 dead in tropical storm Amanda

The fatalities in the tropical storm Amanda that hit Central America on Sunday are increasing

At least 26 dead in tropical storm Amanda

A screenshot from the LA Times Youtube video of the fire on Saturday.

Explosion during Los Angeles fire injured 11 firefighters

Butane stored at a cannabis product distribution center is likely the cause of the fire.

Explosion during Los Angeles fire injured 11 firefighters

Map over Seoul and Incheon, South Korea. Illustration by Google Maps

Oil mist explosion may have caused the construction site fire that killed 38 people in South Korea

Many workers were trapped underground and died before the 335 firefighters called out to the scene w...

Oil mist explosion may have caused the construction site fire that killed 38 people in South Korea

CTIF welcomes the Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters Association as Associate members of CTIF

The La Tuna wildfire in Los Angeles 2017 was the largest in Los Angeles history. This image was originally posted to Flickr by Koala Yummies at https://flickr.com/photos/41802269@N03/36802535882. It was reviewed on 22 September 2017 by FlickreviewR and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the cc-by-sa-2.0.

Extraordinary challenges for fire services preparing for wildfire season during pandemic measures

Wildfire season and COVID-19: How to safely evacuate without spreading the virus?

Extraordinary challenges for fire services preparing for wildfire season during pandemic measures

New NFPA Resource to Help First Responders Manage Infection Control During COVID-19

Key Takeaways from NFPA 1581 and the CDC Guidance: Designate an Infection Control Officer. According...

New NFPA Resource to Help First Responders Manage Infection Control During COVID-19

Researchers may have found a way to safely reuse masks during the COVID-19 crisis

"Autoclaving", a form of pressure cooking, is found in nearly every hospital setting, was ...

Researchers may have found a way to safely reuse masks during the COVID-19 crisis

The Sichuan province in China. Illustration by Wikipedia.

18 firefighters killed in China forest fire

Firefighters in Italy wearing hazmat suits during the pandemic. Photo by Marco Aimo Boot.

Italy´s Lessons Learned about their rapid COVID-19 outbreak could help the rest of the world

Italy´s advice: Isolate the infected into separate hospitals"! - "The biggest mistake was...

Italy´s Lessons Learned about their rapid COVID-19 outbreak could help the rest of the world

Confirmed cases per million people around the world as of April 1, 2020. Illustration by Wikipedia.

COVID-19 cases per million not the same thing as total amount of confirmed cases

Switzerland, Italy, Spain,and Belgium top the list of the world´s most COVID-19 dense countries with...

COVID-19 cases per million not the same thing as total amount of confirmed cases

EMS staff in a hazmat suit. Screen shot from a Belgian instructional video.

How to disinfect an ambulance: Instructional video from Belgium

Place all used and contaminated material visible on the stretcher or table in advance. Like this, w...

How to disinfect an ambulance: Instructional video from Belgium

People wearing mask in Yanshan InZone 20190129. Wikipedia Commons License.

Austria makes masks mandatory in supermarkets to stop spread of COVID-19

Some scientists now believe masks could be crucial to stop the COVID-19 spread. After a former FDA a...

Austria makes masks mandatory in supermarkets to stop spread of COVID-19

A Slovenian EMS-worker undressing his hazmat PPE. Screenshot from an instructional video by the Slovenian Fire Academy.

Instructional videos for COVID-19 pandemic procedures from the Slovenian Fire Academy

COVID-19 Response Procedures

CTIF is collecting news links, Lessons Learned and operational procedures, relating to the novel Cor...

COVID-19 Response Procedures

Belgian firefighters start COVID-19 First Responders Database

This database aims to bundle all information that can help first responders protect themselves and o...

Belgian firefighters start COVID-19 First Responders Database

Example of Corona pandemic ambulance protocol in France : SDIS 86

Specific PPE, protocol to dress and undress. As little possible contact between rescuers and patient...

Example of Corona pandemic ambulance protocol in France : SDIS 86

Author of this media file is employee of Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia (MO RS) or Slovenian Armed Forces. Images taken from www.mo.gov.si and www.slovenskavojska.si can be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0-license.

Several countries are erecting field hospitals in war like measures to prepare for an onslaught of c...

Sweden's first field hospital is ready to receive corona patients. Spain and Mexico have thousa...

Several countries are erecting field hospitals in war like measures to prepare for an onslaught of corona patients

Two firefighters holding a hose. Photo by Pxfuel.com

COVID-19: Fire and rescue services in the UK lose hundreds of firefighters to self-isolation

Cars buried in fallen bricks from buildings damaged in Sunday´s 5,4 earthquake near Zagreb. Photo: Private

Large earthquake shook Croatia in the middle of Corona pandemic

A 15-year-old child buried in debris from a damaged building has been found and taken to hospital.

Large earthquake shook Croatia in the middle of Corona pandemic

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue goes digital during the pandemic

The Commission decided to hold this meeting as an online conference on the 16th of June.

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue goes digital during the pandemic

First responders handbook: Hazardous materials CBRNE

This handbook for hazardous materials was produced by virtue of Nordic collaboration in accordance w...

First responders handbook: Hazardous materials CBRNE

Corona pandemic first responder in Italy, during the worst of the crisis there.

New rescue procedures forced into place for pandemic stricken countries in lockdown

Read how CTIF member Marco Aimo Boot operates in Italy during the current Corona-shutdown of his cou...

New rescue procedures forced into place for pandemic stricken countries in lockdown

Technical Days 2020 cancelled due to Corona pandemic

On Monday morning, March 16, local time, it was decided that this year´s Technical Days will be canc...

Technical Days 2020 cancelled due to Corona pandemic

Woman with mask and symbolic corona cells in the air. Photo: Pixabay.com

CTIF advices members to restrict travel and use internet based solutions for meetings

UPDATE: INTERSCHUTZ in Germany is postponed until 2021. This effects Delegates Assembly! COVID-19 i...

CTIF advices members to restrict travel and use internet based solutions for meetings

Firefighters in quarantine after being exposed to Corona virus

The new chair of the CTIF History Commission opens up for more multilingual and international cooper...

Gerald Schimpf, takes over the History Commission. Mr Schimpf is fluent in English which once again ...

The new chair of the CTIF History Commission opens up for more multilingual and international cooperation in his first address to members

Minutes from November´s Extrication & New Technology Meeting

The next Commission meeting will be in Poitiers, France, during the Technical days (13-14-15 of May)...

Minutes from November´s Extrication & New Technology Meeting

Dec. 30, 2013, Casselton, N.D: An oil train crashed into a grain car, causing explosions and a fire and forcing the partial evacuation of the town. No one was hurt. 2July 6, Lac-Mégantic, Quebec: An unattended oil train rolled away, crashed

Pipelines vs road transports: Controversial debates around fuel transport

"Latest Pacific Rail derailment spilled 5 times as much oil as the Husky pipeline leak in 2016&...

Pipelines vs road transports: Controversial debates around fuel transport

Hydrogen response training. Photo by CTIF France

CTIF and partners begin a European project to train first responders on hydrogen safety

The HyResponder project will develop and implement a sustainable “train the trainer” program.

CTIF and partners begin a European project to train first responders on hydrogen safety

The chemical explosion near Tarragona as seen from a nearby town.

Three dead in explosion at a chemical factory in Spain

Meet Ivana Kruijff-Korbayová - CTIF´s expert on robot assisted response

Dr Kruijff-Korbayová investigates human-robot teamwork and develops technology for robot-assisted di...

Meet Ivana Kruijff-Korbayová - CTIF´s expert on robot assisted response

North America´s oil field waste could get mined for lithium to EV batteries

Waste from the Canadian tar sands could be a viable way to mine for lithium in a more environmentall...

North America´s oil field waste could get mined for lithium to EV batteries

Wildland Firefighter on Prescribed Burn NPS Photo Michael Gue

The effectiveness of controlled burns debated as climate gets hotter and drier

Fires have been hot enough to burn through areas already burned, igniting areas far away from the ac...

The effectiveness of controlled burns debated as climate gets hotter and drier

Both the police and fire service attended the fire on Ytterøyningen (image: Corvus)

Explosion on Norwegian battery hybrid ferry may have been caused by the fire extinguishing system

A seawater fire extinguishing system that had been installed as an additional safety precaution on t...

Explosion on Norwegian battery hybrid ferry may have been caused by the fire extinguishing system

Women in Firefighting - Photo by KIRTJ.se

What is the CTIF International Association of Fire Services?

CTIF ensures the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of protection and rescue in case ...

What is the CTIF International Association of Fire Services?

The CTIF delegates from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden at the CTIF Norden meeting in January 2020.

The Nordic CTIF National Committees held their yearly meeting in Aalesund

The discussions included thoughts on how to arrange future Delegates Assembles, a review of the expe...

The Nordic CTIF National Committees held their yearly meeting in Aalesund

Mira Leinonen, Chair of the CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue Services, speaking in the City of Barcelona.

We have to break with the idea that firefighting is a craft just for men

Firefighters representing nine countries: Canada, the United States, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, th...

We have to break with the idea that firefighting is a craft just for men

The burning parkade at Stavanger Airport. Photo by: Twitter: @stormy_chan93

Huge parkade fire stopped air traffic at Norwegian airport

The entire parkade risks collapsing and could destroy 3000 cars. The fire likely started in - Entire...

Huge parkade fire stopped air traffic at Norwegian airport

An Australian "fire-tornado". Photo by Chris Tangey

The Australian wildfire devastation in 2020 shows wildfires are becoming a global concern

Five million hectares of land and almost half a billion animals have already perished - which raises...

The Australian wildfire devastation in 2020 shows wildfires are becoming a global concern

2019

"The evidence on firefighters´cancer is clear. What are senior management & WHS waiting for?"

"Every Fire Service in the world should be practicing basic fireground decontamination. It cost...

"The evidence on firefighters´cancer is clear. What are senior management & WHS waiting for?"

Backdraft 2 - the sequel to the 1991 firefighting blockbuster - is now released

Screen shot of the Guardian´s YouTube video form the petrochemical fire in Texas.

60,000 forced to evacuate during huge petrochemical fire in Texas

CTIF´s Executive Committee in front of a Luxembourg fire station vehicle, during their November meeting 2019.

CTIF Executive Board meeting in Luxembourg focused on the 120th Anniversary and next year´s importan...

CTIF Executive Board meeting in Luxembourg focused on the 120th Anniversary and next year´s important elections

Flags of countries participating at Delegates Assembly in Las Vegas 2018. Photo: Björn Ulfsson / CTIF

See how much it would cost for your country to join CTIF

Photo: Screen shot from Australian ABC News

Worst wildfire season in a decade in Australia

Six people have died during forest fires over the past month, the BBC reports. Warnings have been...

Worst wildfire season in a decade in Australia

Wikipedia diagram of a typical hybrid vehicle.

New innovative technology promises a safer and more effective type of batteries

Zinc and manganese is the same basic raw materials as for alkaline non-rechargable batteries.

New innovative technology promises a safer and more effective type of batteries

Fake 3D zebra patterns to stop pedestrian accidents at crosswalks

The 3D painting gets the attention of drivers, who are in theory forced to slow down their speed whe...

Fake 3D zebra patterns to stop pedestrian accidents at crosswalks

Front page of the study "Fatal residential fires in Europe"

Fatal residential fires in Europe - a report

The improvement of fire safety in the living environment can only be effective when we have knowledg...

Fatal residential fires in Europe - a report

Screen shot from a video about the African fires by 2nacheki - Africa is watching

The African wildfires and the fires burning in the Amazon are not necessarily comparable - but both ...

Many claim Africa´s wildfires are worse than the Amazonian. Read how they differ, and are both impor...

The African wildfires and the fires burning in the Amazon are not necessarily comparable - but both rainforest regions are important carbon traps

Vehicle propulsion types in the CTIF ISO standard.

A new world wide ISO standard for vehicle rescue & marking

The CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue Service has created an international standard ...

A new world wide ISO standard for vehicle rescue & marking

The CTIF Fire Investigation Working Group meeting in Holland, 2019. Photo by Volkert van der Ploeg

Discover CTIF´s Commissions and Working Groups!

Photo by the Slovak fire & rescue services

Deadly bus crash in Slovakia - 30 firefighters involved in the extrication

At least twelve people have died in a serious traffic accident in Slovakia. Most of the passengers w...

Deadly bus crash in Slovakia - 30 firefighters involved in the extrication

CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue met for their bi-yearly meeting, this time in Barcelona.

CTIF Women in Fire & Rescue met in Barcelona

"We had a really good meeting and the fire department supported us the whole meeting", sa...

CTIF Women in Fire & Rescue met in Barcelona

Emotional funeral procession for three killed firefighters in Milan

California forest fires. Photo by United States Department of Defence.

California experiment: New investment strategies in forest fire prevention

Investors buy into the bond, and the money is drawn as needed for forest restoration work.

California experiment: New investment strategies in forest fire prevention

Burnt solar panel on Briana Greer´s roof.

Solar panels catching fire a hurdle for alternative energy

The owner was away when the fire started in her Tesla solar roof panels. Luckily, her neighbors were...

Solar panels catching fire a hurdle for alternative energy

Prescribed fire in ponderosa pine forest in eastern Washington (USA) to restore ecosystem health.

Prevention & Control: Using back fire to combat wildfire

A back fire is a fire that is deliberately initiated in front of an active fire front, usually a for...

Prevention & Control: Using back fire to combat wildfire

"Natural fuel breaks": Could aspen trees help solve the wildfire crisis?

Aspen naturally have a higher water content and do not contain the flammable chemical compounds that...

"Natural fuel breaks": Could aspen trees help solve the wildfire crisis?

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges Ostrava, day 2

Read more about the CTIF Yearly Seminars here. Stay tuned to CTIF.org for more complete and edited v...

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges Ostrava, day 2

The CTIF Seminar in Ostrava Day 1 - See videos from the lecturers!

See videos here of some of the events of Day 1 of the seminar! More complete videos with presentatio...

The CTIF Seminar in Ostrava Day 1 - See videos from the lecturers!

The Ostrava Seminar Hall at Clarion Hotel

See the Final Program for the Ostrava Seminar

We have a fantastic conference room booked for Thursday and Friday, with lots of exhibition space fo...

See the Final Program for the Ostrava Seminar

Tommy Baekgaard Kjaer is one of the speakers in Ostrava October 25-26, 2019.

Only days left until the CTIF Seminar i Ostrava - here´s the final program!

Please observe that NO official dinner will be arranged on Friday night. The Hotel Clarion will serv...

Only days left until the CTIF Seminar i Ostrava - here´s the final program!

Police helicopter, Ambulance and Fire Truck

Saving Lives is not Enough - a UK study on how to protect burn victims more effectively

This report sets out ten recommendations (Elements) for improving the pre-hospital care, experience ...

Saving Lives is not Enough - a UK study on how to protect burn victims more effectively

Cataño, PR, October 25, 2009 -- Firefighter from the Volunteer Fire Department of Puerto Rico. Yuisa Rios/FEMA

Scottish fire services welcome a large increase in female firefighters

The Scottish Fire Rescue Service say a recruitment campaign this year made 771 females apply to beco...

Scottish fire services welcome a large increase in female firefighters

A screen shot of a Ruptly video on YouTube of the violent demonstrations on Tuesday.

5000 French firefighters marched the streets of Paris protesting for better working conditions

A helicopter rescue team rescues a civilian from a flooded home. Screen shot from a BBC Youtube video.

50 dead after devastating typhoon in Japan

Ms. Jordan Arnswald is from the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre, where she works as an Associate Emergency Preparedness Officer.

Come for a great lineup of speakers at CTIF´s 2nd international Fire & Rescue conference!

Registration for the Seminar in Ostrava has been extended until Monday October 14th!

Come for a great lineup of speakers at CTIF´s 2nd international Fire & Rescue conference!

Air Ministry Second World War Official Collection Date between 1939 and 1945. Photo: Wikipedia Commons License

Two were killed by World War II bomb

REGISTRATION EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 14th for the CTIF Seminar in Ostrava!

The NEW deadline for registration is Monday October 14th! For questions or support, please e-mail: ...

REGISTRATION EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 14th for the CTIF Seminar in Ostrava!

The CTIF Executive Committee as of July 2019.

Meet the new 2019 CTIF Executive Committee from Delegates´Assembly in Martigny

Roman Sykora from Austria has been elected as new General Secretary of the CTIF Executive Committee....

Meet the new 2019 CTIF Executive Committee from Delegates´Assembly in Martigny

Download the Program and read about the keynote speakers for the Ostrava CTIF Seminar here!

The floods in Spain during the second week of September 2019. Screen dump form The Guardian Youtube video report.

Severe rainstorms killed several civilians throughout Spain - airports and schools forced to close

Explosion destroyed three homes; collapsed and trapped residents in Belgium

Monster wildfire threatened tourist areas and evacuated 9000 on Gran Canaria

Reports from Delegates Assembly in Marseille 2021

Approved minutes from DA 2018 in Las Vegas, Annual Reports of the CTIF Commissions 2019, Presentatio...

Reports from Delegates Assembly in Marseille 2021

CTIF youth games in Martigny, Switzerland, 2019. Photo by Björn Ulfsson / CTIF News

The 2021 (now 2022!) CTIF Games will be hosted by Slovenia

The 2021 competitions will involve both adult and youth firefighters and is therefor an event which ...

The 2021 (now 2022!) CTIF Games will be hosted by Slovenia

Two Belgian firefighters killed in an abandoned building die to a fire gas ignition

A "Black Day" for Belgium: Two firefighters killed and four injured in a fire gas ignition

PHOTO: ROSCOSMOS A satellite image from the Russian space agency Roscosmos shows the forest fires in Siberian Krasnoyarsk on July

The military called in to fight 12 million hectares of forests burning in Siberia

Wildfires are spreading in the Arctic

The Results of the Martigny 2019 Youth Games

The 22nd International Youth Fire Brigade Gathering ended Saturday with a wonderful closing ceremony...

The Results of the Martigny 2019 Youth Games

Michel Bour recieves the Honorary Member Award form CTIF President Tore Eriksson after completing his full two (8 years) terms as General Secretary.

Michel Bour, Don Bliss and Ante Sanader awarded as Honorary Members of CTIF

Michel Bour (France) has now completed his full 8 years of service as General Secretary in the EC. A...

Michel Bour, Don Bliss and Ante Sanader awarded as Honorary Members of CTIF

The Opening of DA 2019 in Martigny with the original CTIF banner from the year 1900.

Report from Delegates Assembly in Martigny 2019

28 countries are represented this year with 88 national Delegates. After the Quorum was established...

Report from Delegates Assembly in Martigny 2019

CTIF President Tore Eriksson with the Russian Delegation at DA 2019 in Martigny

Videos from Delegates Assembly 2019

New Tunnel Firefighting Working Group starting up in October

The group will deal with fires in tunnels and other underground structures.

New Tunnel Firefighting Working Group starting up in October

Delegates Assembly 2019 will be held at Hotel Vatel - here is how you find it

The address is: Rue Marconi 19, 1920 Martigny. Due to the CTIF Games and a wine festival in the Mart...

Delegates Assembly 2019 will be held at Hotel Vatel - here is how you find it

The Executive Committee meeting in Martigny on July 18, 2019.

Countdown to the Delegates´Assembly Elections - here are the candidates for Executive Committee

A fire truck has driven off the road at Omland in Kvinesdal, Norway. Photo: VG reader photo

Firefighter died when fire truck flipped over during emergency call in Norway

A total of five people from the fire service travelled in the emergency vehicle when it drove off th...

Firefighter died when fire truck flipped over during emergency call in Norway

CTIF Communication Officer Bjorn Ulfsson and his wife Terri Casella at a gala dinner in Ottawa 2016.

The Official CTIF Gala Dinner

The Official CTIF Gala Dinner was held on Thursday 19:00 at Hotel Vatel in Martigny.

The Official CTIF Gala Dinner

CTIF Games 2019 in Martigny, Wednesday July 17th.

Delegates Assembly and CTIF Games Week has started in Martigny

VIDEO: On Thursday, the Official CTIF "Olympics" Youth Games were held in Martigny, Switze...

Delegates Assembly and CTIF Games Week has started in Martigny

46 injured from a carbon monoxide leak at a motel

Meeting at the French Firefighter Federation in Paris

Protection against toxic products: how to deal on operation site, how to deal in quarter; Traceab...

Meeting at the French Firefighter Federation in Paris

Cover Photo: (Above) WEST ROW, England -- Watch Manager Ken Cross, left, 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, RAF Alconbury, explains equipment and fire procedures to children from West Row Primary School Nov. 3, 2011. Firefighter Daniel Manning, Staff Sgt. Kyle Dulin and Senior Airman Shayne Anglin (not pictured), all 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, visited the local primary school to foster good community relations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Karen Abeyasekere)

Youth Symposium "Children in the Fire Brigades"

At this first meeting in Koblenz, the individual nations should present their work with children (un...

Youth Symposium "Children in the Fire Brigades"

Eery weather map showing France with the apparent cartoonish image of a screaming face in the middle of the hottest areas of the country.

Extreme heat and forest fires plague Europe

Photo: Wikipedia. A firefighter for the Air National Guard

Survey Examining Cancer and Injury Among Female Firefighters

You are being invited to participate in a research study for female firefighters, either born female...

Survey Examining Cancer and Injury Among Female Firefighters

It is still possible to sign up to see the CTIF Games in Switzerland

Martigny, Switzerland. Photo by Wikipedia Commons

The official schedule for Delegates Assembly is ready

The venue where Delegates Assembly is arranged will be the Vatel Hotel in Martigny, Switzerland.

The official schedule for Delegates Assembly is ready

DA 2018 CTIF Executive Podium in Las Vegas.

DA in Martigny 2019: Practical Travel information and Last Minute Registration Options

The train from Geneve Airport to Martigny takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The train ride is very ...

DA in Martigny 2019: Practical Travel information and Last Minute Registration Options

The exploded hydrogen refulling station in Sandvika, Norway.

Hydrogen refuelling plant explodes in Norway

The explosion was very powerful and triggered airbags in nearby cars. A safety zone of 500 meters wa...

Hydrogen refuelling plant explodes in Norway

Fire statistics no 24 in Persian version

CTIF World Fire Statistics now available in Persian and Hungarian

Fire Stats is growing! In 2019, a Hungarian edition for #23 was added, and a Persian version of issu...

CTIF World Fire Statistics now available in Persian and Hungarian

CTIF President Tore Eriksson and CTIF vice president Milan Dubravac with Emercom in Russia.

CTIF invited to celebrate 370 years of Russian Fire Service at the 12th ISSE conference

CTIF president Tore Eriksson and vice president Milan Dubravac were CTIF´s representatives, and incl...

CTIF invited to celebrate 370 years of Russian Fire Service at the 12th ISSE conference

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges, Ostrava 2019

CTIF´s Executive Committee is excited to announce that Ostrava, Czech Republic is hosting the now ye...

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges, Ostrava 2019

Bio gas bus fire in Malmö, Sweden, on May 28, 2019

How safe are bio gas vehicles for firefighters? - New incident involving CNG bus

If a firefighter had been near the bus when the fire plume shot out, serious injuries or death could...

How safe are bio gas vehicles for firefighters? - New incident involving CNG bus

Vote for change and better HazMat labeling: support the UNECOSOC transport of dangerous goods, toxic...

Vote for change and better HazMat labeling: support the UNECOSOC transport of dangerous goods, toxic and flammable gases

20 young people died in the illegally constructed school in India.

20 students killed in a school fire in India - the building frame was plastic

The ship was being repaired when the CO2 leak occurred that killed 10 people in China on Saturday.

Ten people killed by a fire extinguishing system

An aggressive wildfire in Osoyoos, British Columbia in May 2019. Photo by BC Wildfire services.

The north is burning: Wildfire season has now also hit Western Canada

Webster firefighters Jason Crockom, Jeremy Falcone and Shane Martin strap on their new helmets. (Kirk Sides / Staff Photographer)

Texas joins other progressive US fire services and replaces traditional US helmets for more European...

"The traditional (US) style helmet has been around since like 1780", says Fire Chief Patr...

Texas joins other progressive US fire services and replaces traditional US helmets for more European style helmets

Extrication and New Technology Meeting in Spain May 8 and 9 2019

The extended two day Extrication & New Technology Commission Meeting in Spain

The cooperation with Euro N-Cap and planning for implementing the CTIF-ISO standard in all of Europe...

The extended two day Extrication & New Technology Commission Meeting in Spain

At least 41 dead in Moscow plane fire

Russ Sanders, NFPA regional director and long standing CTIF member.

NFPA´s Russ Sanders of the CTIF Fire Prevention Commission receives the Mason Lankford Award

One of CTIFs longest standing members, Russ Sanders from the NFPA, has for the second year in a row...

NFPA´s Russ Sanders of the CTIF Fire Prevention Commission receives the Mason Lankford Award

The CNG bus fire in Stockholm, March 2019. Photo by an eye witness to the accident.

The cause of the Stockholm CNG bus explosion has now been determined

A 2-way communication radio with poor audibility, delays and the driver not noticing posted road sig...

The cause of the Stockholm CNG bus explosion has now been determined

Bastille Day in France. Photo by Wikipedia Commons.

French politician opens up the possibility to exclude volunteer firefighters from a strict applicati...

On Friday April 26, 2019, the French minister of the Interior, Mr. Christophe Castaner, visited the ...

French politician opens up the possibility to exclude volunteer firefighters from a strict application of the new European Working Time Directive

The leaders of UITP, CTIF President Tore Eriksson and the Chair of CTIF Extrication & New Technology Tom Van Esbroeck meeting in Casablanca in April 2019 to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations to implement the new ISO standard in Firefighting. Photo by UITP.

Firefighters´ ISO Standard for Vehicle Rescue and Extrication is now starting to be implemented worl...

The start of the project was a proposal from France in 2012 to create a standardized layout for Resc...

Firefighters´ ISO Standard for Vehicle Rescue and Extrication is now starting to be implemented world wide

History Commission: The Definition of a Firefighting Museum

In terms of its collection concept, its objects and the structure of its presentation, the Show coll...

History Commission: The Definition of a Firefighting Museum

Electric car maker investigates viral video of exploding Tesla in China

Firefighters fighting a forest fire near Norrköping, Sweden on Tuesday. Photo by Niklas Luks

Scotland, Norway and Sweden already severely effected by forest fires due to the dry weather in the ...

Scotland, Norway and Sweden already severely effected by forest fires due to the dry weather in the north

See video of the firefighting robots that helped extinguish the Notre Dame fire

A Paris firefighter in a ladder basket working to extinguish at Notre Dame. Photo screen shot from Paris Fire Brigade Video.

The Paris Fire Brigade´s own videos: Water shortages, traffic and an ignored fire alarm delayed Notr...

The Paris Fire Brigade´s own videos: Water shortages, traffic and an ignored fire alarm delayed Notre Dame operations

Notre Dame fire. Screenshot from CBC news video on YouTube.

No water bombing allowed on Notre Dame because of risk of structural collapse

More than 400 firefighters have been involved in the extinguishing work, which has been hampered by ...

No water bombing allowed on Notre Dame because of risk of structural collapse

England, Scotland and northern Ireland Dry weather conditions sparked fires to burn in parts of England, Scotland and northern Ireland as seen (as red dots) in this image, taken by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite. The image shows conditions on May 2, 2011 at 11:50 UTC (7:50 a.m. EDT). Photo: NASA

Several wildfires already burning in Scotland

Scientific evidence proving that lack of sleep can contribute to serious work related diseases - inc...

Lack of sleep can cause cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and making fatal mistakes, according ...

Scientific evidence proving that lack of sleep can contribute to serious work related diseases - including cancer

Map of the eastern part of the world with China and the province where at least 26 firefighters have perished.

Almost 30 firefighters dead during forest fire in China

The CTIF Seminar Fire, Rescue & New Challenges 2019 - Ostrava, Czechia October 25-26

The CTIF Seminar 2019 will focus on four sub headlines: Communications, New Procedures, Innovations ...

The CTIF Seminar Fire, Rescue & New Challenges 2019 - Ostrava, Czechia October 25-26

The New Zeeland shooter who killed at least 49 people in March 2019. Photo is a screen shot from the live video the shooter broadcasted on Facebook during the deed.

The deadliest mass shootings and terrorist acts in recent years

Screen shot of the propane bus explosion in central Stockholm. Photo by Expressen.se

CNG propelled buss exploded in central Stockholm - reason unknown

The bus carried bio gas bottles on the roof that may have hit the tunnel opening which then started ...

CNG propelled buss exploded in central Stockholm - reason unknown

Female firefighters in front of a fire engine.

CTIF wishes a Happy Womens Day!

Gender equality doesn’t happen by itself, it needs concrete actions. From 2012, CTIF have worked wi...

CTIF wishes a Happy Womens Day!

A firefighter shaving his head in support of colleagues fighting cancer.

Smoke and soot from synthetics the greatest killer of firefighters

Modern homes and businesses are full of synthetics, plastics and chemicals that can explode much fas...

Smoke and soot from synthetics the greatest killer of firefighters

Directive Européenne Temps de Travail (DDETT) - Note d'information

German Volunteer Firefighters. Photo: Wikipedia

Die EU-Arbeitszeitrichtlinie; Informationsnotiz

CTIF hat lange Zeit in Betracht gezogen, dass die EU-Arbeitszeitrichtlinie negative Auswirkungen auf...

Die EU-Arbeitszeitrichtlinie; Informationsnotiz

A Portuguese firefighter fighting a wildfire. Photo by Bombeiros.pt

The CTIF Official Statement on the European Working Time Directive - and its effect on the fire serv...

CTIF has for a long time considered there are risks of negative impacts arising from the WTD on the ...

The CTIF Official Statement on the European Working Time Directive - and its effect on the fire services

Auto locking doors killed Tesla driver in fire after a crash

The automatically deploying door handles on the outside don't appear to have deployed. The exte...

Auto locking doors killed Tesla driver in fire after a crash

Windsor Fire and Rescue chief training officer Paul Acton says studies are finding oil-based products lead to rapid fire spread and rapid combustion.

200 times more smoke and 8 times faster burning rate than 50 years ago

The rapid burning rates of modern homes vs legacy homes are starting to become known in public media

200 times more smoke and 8 times faster burning rate than 50 years ago

Canadair water bomber from Southern France. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License.

Sweden wants to acquire their own water bombers after last year´s wildfire disasters across Europe

MSB wants to procure helicopter capacity, scooping smaller aircraft, and ensuring that Sweden secure...

Sweden wants to acquire their own water bombers after last year´s wildfire disasters across Europe

Moscow at dusk. Photo Credit: Wikipedias Commons License

False bomb threats cause mass evacuations in Russia

Approximately 3,000 people have recently been evacuated in Moscow in Russia after several bomb threa...

False bomb threats cause mass evacuations in Russia

Header for World Fire Statistcis no 23-2018

CTIF Fire Statistics Issue no 23 now available in Hungarian

Tisztelt Kollégák! A BM Országos Katasztrófavédelmi Főigazgatóság a magyar tűz-és katasztrófavédelmi...

CTIF Fire Statistics Issue no 23 now available in Hungarian

New Zeeland bushfire. Screenshot from BTH TV YouTube report.

New Zeeland wildfires will continue for several weeks

3,000 people had to be evacuated and the fires are unpredictable.

New Zeeland wildfires will continue for several weeks

Fire Research & Investigation is becoming increasingly important to help fire services learn

The CTIF Fire Investigations Group invites all Member Nations to send delegates to their Fire Invest...

Fire Research & Investigation is becoming increasingly important to help fire services learn

Screen shot from Paris Fire Brigade video

Deadliest fire in over a decade kills ten people in Paris - at least 8 firefighters injured

More than 250 firefighters arrived and helped save over 50 people in truly exceptional conditions, a...

Deadliest fire in over a decade kills ten people in Paris - at least 8 firefighters injured

School Safety and Security Update from the NFPA - how to protect your school in the event of a viole...

Guidelines around door locking and fire alarm systems to help, in the event of targeted violence thr...

School Safety and Security Update from the NFPA - how to protect your school in the event of a violent threat

A cayuko filled with African migrants on the Mediterranean sea, intercepted by KBV 001 Poseidon / Photo by Swedish Coast Guard

Six refugees die on the Mediterranean every day - despite lower number of migrants

"Unfortunately, effective cooperation between different countries is very slow in coming",...

Six refugees die on the Mediterranean every day - despite lower number of migrants

Man slipping on ice. Photo by Abeyta Nelson Injury Law

New type of anti slipping agent could replace ineffective road salt

"At airports, a substance called potassium formate is used which is much more efficient, so the...

New type of anti slipping agent could replace ineffective road salt

Vancouver fire station women firefighters

Worldwide firefighting community sending encouraging messages to young UK girl wishing to be firefig...

Girls can be firefighters as well

Worldwide firefighting community sending encouraging messages to young UK girl wishing to be firefighter

Gun and turnout gear. Photo by Station Pride No 1

Firefighters could soon be allowed to carry weapons in Virginia

US firefighters and EMTs could soon be carrying guns and doing police related work. A bill allowing...

Firefighters could soon be allowed to carry weapons in Virginia

Call for Experts to CMINE-project on Wildfires, Flooding and Volunteer Managment

CMINE is a Community of Practice in the field of Crisis Management, an umbrella network made to fost...

Call for Experts to CMINE-project on Wildfires, Flooding and Volunteer Managment

Jalal Maleki was killed by electric shock during a firefighting operation in Tehran.

Firefighter dies from electric shock when moving a ladder

A Tehran firefighter suffered severe electric shock when moving the equipment due to contact of a me...

Firefighter dies from electric shock when moving a ladder

Paris Explosion. Screen shot from RT-youtube video.

Two firefighters killed and one saved from under the rubble in powerful gas explosion in Paris

Jann-Egil Gjerde is Deputy Brigade Chief in the world´s most northern fire service. Photo: Scania

Longyearbyen - the world´s most northern fire station in the Arctic

Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Photo by Pixabay.com

Avalanche risk forces evacuation of residents on Svalbard, Norway

Longyearbyen is the world's most northern fire department, according to Norwegian fire magazine...

Avalanche risk forces evacuation of residents on Svalbard, Norway

Fire Statistics Issue no 23-2018 now available in Spanish

The Center for Fire Statistics is expanding: Next translation will be done by Hungary in the first q...

Fire Statistics Issue no 23-2018 now available in Spanish

A New York firefighter fell över 100 meters form a bridge in construction by stepping in between an unmarked gap between the lanes. Photo: FDNY

New York firefighter dies in fall from a bridge trying to save car crash victims

What they didn´t all realize was that the lanes on the bridge were separated by a 3-foot (one meter)...

New York firefighter dies in fall from a bridge trying to save car crash victims

Residential explsion in Russia kills 37. Photo: Screen dump from The Guardian.

37 dead in Russian building collaps

It was early on Monday that a part of a ten floor residential building collapsed. The search &amp...

37 dead in Russian building collaps

Six dead when freight train transporting beer hit passanger train in Denmark

2018

A lecture on Hazardous Materials with CTIF HazMat Chair Roman Sykora

A lecture with practical HazMat knowledge and lessons learned from the CTIF Seminar in Brussels, 201...

A lecture on Hazardous Materials with CTIF HazMat Chair Roman Sykora

The explosion in Sapporo. Photo: Twitter

Several buildings in Japan have collapsed - gas explosion suspected

Several buildings have allegedly collapsed and more than 40 people have been injured following an ex...

Several buildings in Japan have collapsed - gas explosion suspected

Tommy Baekgaard Kjaer - A lecture on Cancer and other Occupational Diseases affecting Firefighters

1 HR VIDEO LECTURE: Most of the toxic exposure occurs when you take off your BA mask - the toxins en...

Tommy Baekgaard Kjaer - A lecture on Cancer and other Occupational Diseases affecting Firefighters

Strasbourg terrorist shooting. Screen shot from France 24 English.

Three dead and 13 injured in Christmas market shooting in Strasbourg - terrorism alert raised in Fra...

Three people have been killed after a man opened fire at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France. P...

Three dead and 13 injured in Christmas market shooting in Strasbourg - terrorism alert raised in France

The tragic death of Fleur Lombard spurred on major changes in the design of women´s firefighter clot...

Men´s and women´s bodies are different - and the turnout gear should reflect those differences. This...

The tragic death of Fleur Lombard spurred on major changes in the design of women´s firefighter clothing

Man who shared photos of a traffic accident risks jail sentence in Denmark

According to the prosecutor the upload is a clear "violation of privacy" which should resu...

Man who shared photos of a traffic accident risks jail sentence in Denmark

European Parliament makes Reverse 112 public warning systems mandatory on mobile phones for all memb...

Citizens in a high risk area will be able to receive an SMS or alert on their mobile phone in case o...

European Parliament makes Reverse 112 public warning systems mandatory on mobile phones for all member states

Demonstrations against fuel prices in France. Photo: Screen shot form The Guardians news clip video.

400 injured in France during demonstrations against rising gasolin and diesel prices

Demonstrators turned violent in several locations and the police detained 157 people. Low-income peo...

400 injured in France during demonstrations against rising gasolin and diesel prices

The fires in California captured by a Russian cosmonaut on August 7, 2018.

Death toll in California increasing: 71 dead and more than 1000 missing

"We are still actively committed to trying to find human remains, and that's something we&...

Death toll in California increasing: 71 dead and more than 1000 missing

The burned out frame of the bus after the explosion and fire

Over 40 dead in fire and gas explosion on bus

The explosion is suspected to have been caused by a propane canister that one of the passengers had ...

Over 40 dead in fire and gas explosion on bus

The Operational Land Imager aboard the NASA-USGS Landsat 8 satellite captured this image of California's Camp Fire on Nov. 8, 2018, around 10:45 a.m. local time (1845 GMT). Credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Joshua Stevens, using Landsat data from USGS

Controversy over who is to blame for the California wildfires

NASA satellite photo of the area in California affected by the November 2018 fires. Photo: NASA

3300 firefighters fighting the California fires - 66 dead and over 600 people still missing

It is the most devastating fire in California´s history. It destroyed about 9,700 homes and scorched...

3300 firefighters fighting the California fires - 66 dead and over 600 people still missing

Tore Eriksson, CTIF, minister Jan Jambon and Tom Van Esbroeck, Commission for Extrication & New Technology

Belgian Public Transport Sector first in the world to adapt the new ISO standard for marking New Pro...

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between CTIF, the Belgian Public Transport Sector and ...

Belgian Public Transport Sector first in the world to adapt the new ISO standard for marking New Propulsion Vehicles

Kurt Vollmacher awarded a special CTIF medal for his work on the new ISO standard

Executive Committé has given Kurt Vollmacher of the Extrication and New Technology Commission a CTIF...

Kurt Vollmacher awarded a special CTIF medal for his work on the new ISO standard

An instructor teaching a student how to use the FLAIM virtual reality fire training system.

The first realistic virtual reality fire training if its kind, rescue robot demonstrations, drones.....

This rescue robot can gently pick up a thin paper cup and give it to a man in the audience, climb ov...

The first realistic virtual reality fire training if its kind, rescue robot demonstrations, drones...

Opening of the seminar in Brussels Nov 9 - 2018.

The Seminar Opening: "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" has officially opened

The opening speech was held by Jèrôme Glorie, the Director General of the Civil Security Department ...

The Seminar Opening: "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" has officially opened

Program for the upcoming CTIF Seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges"

Read the full program here, and download the program below. Printed programs will be handed out at t...

Program for the upcoming CTIF Seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges"

The official CTIF online shop is now open!

The first official CTIF Caps are now available online - (or get yours directly now at "Fire, Re...

The official CTIF online shop is now open!

Commission Europe meeting in Brussels, November 8, 2018.

Commission Europe meeting in Brussels with Dennis Davis as Chair

The Seminar weekend has started in Brussels with Executive Committé and several Commission meetings

The President Tore Eriksson opened the meeting, followed by a presentation from the "Seminar Ge...

The Seminar weekend has started in Brussels with Executive Committé and several Commission meetings

Pullman Hotel Midi, Brussels. Photo by Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF NEWS

Practical information for the CTIF Seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" in Brussels

There is a train from the airport to the Brussel South station. Q-parking is available in the garage...

Practical information for the CTIF Seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" in Brussels

10 missing in collapsed buildings in central Marseille

The rescue service has been searching intensively for people who may have been buried during the mas...

10 missing in collapsed buildings in central Marseille

Screen shot from the NBC Boston news video.

Research: "Chemicals used in firefighter turnout gear identlified as potential cancer agents"

They tested the gear for PFAS, chemicals that s have shown to increase the risk of a range of cancer...

Research: "Chemicals used in firefighter turnout gear identlified as potential cancer agents"

Only days left until the CTIF Seminar: Fire, Rescue & New Challenges! See the teaser trailer here!

A street has collapsed in Italy. Photo: Screen shot from the BBC video clip

At least 30 dead in Italian storms

The situation has been described as the worst weather related disaster in Italy in 50 years. On the ...

At least 30 dead in Italian storms

Speakers´List for the CTIF Seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges"

New Technologies, drones, Alternative Energy Vehicles, the new ISO Standard and the latest in Firefi...

Speakers´List for the CTIF Seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges"

Meet the Seminar Sponsors: FLAIM Training and XVR Virtual Reality Firefighting

FLAIM Trainer™ places firefighters in a realistic training scenario available by utilising several c...

Meet the Seminar Sponsors: FLAIM Training and XVR Virtual Reality Firefighting

October 31: Last chance to register for Fire, Rescue & New Challenges

The CTIF seminar "Fire, Rescue and New Challenges" on Friday November 9th and Saturday Nov...

October 31: Last chance to register for Fire, Rescue & New Challenges

Floods in the Kasnodar Krai region of Russia.

Deadly flooding in Southern Russia

At least six people have died in floods in the Krasnodar region in southern Russia. Two more people ...

Deadly flooding in Southern Russia

Meet Our Sponsors for "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" in Brussels nov 9-10

CTIF and Fire, "Rescue & New Challenges" Seminar in Brussels would like to Proudly Pre...

Meet Our Sponsors for "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges" in Brussels nov 9-10

Meet the Commission Members, Episode 2: Mona Hjortzberg, vice chair, Women in Fire & Rescue

Mona started working in the fire and rescue services in 1997, by participating in a government proje...

Meet the Commission Members, Episode 2: Mona Hjortzberg, vice chair, Women in Fire & Rescue

Nicola Lown, secretary of the CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue Services

Meet the Commission Members, Episode 1: Nicola Lown, Women in Fire & Rescue

First to get a "feature cover" is the Commission Secretary, Nicola Lown, United Kingdom: S...

Meet the Commission Members, Episode 1: Nicola Lown, Women in Fire & Rescue

US Navy personnel using an aircraft fire trainer. Photo: Wikipedia

New chair for the CTIF Commission for Firefighting at Airports - Minutes from the last meeting

Tokyo skyline with Tokyo Skytree. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Wrong components used in Japan´s highrise earthquake protection plan - company admits fault

‘Backdraft 2’ with ‘Apollo 18’ Director Gonzalo López-Gallego soon to be released

FIREFIGHTING FILMS: The movie "Backdraft" from 1991 put the dangers of firefighting on the...

‘Backdraft 2’ with ‘Apollo 18’ Director Gonzalo López-Gallego soon to be released

Filming for "Backdraft 2" confirmed to begin this Fall in Romania

The first "Backdraft" from 1991 put the dangers of firefighting on the map for members of ...

Filming for "Backdraft 2" confirmed to begin this Fall in Romania

A satellite image from Monday shows Michael´s position in the Mexican Gulf. It is expected to move to Florida during Tuesday and Wednesday.

FEMAs publice advice after Hurricane Michael: "You have to build better if you want to live here "

"It's ok to want to live by the beach, or on a mountain, but you have to build better. If ...

FEMAs publice advice after Hurricane Michael: "You have to build better if you want to live here "

5,000 are missing after earthquake in Indonesia - 1700 dead and rising

About 5,000 people are believed to be missing in two areas of the Indonesian city of Palu, which was...

5,000 are missing after earthquake in Indonesia - 1700 dead and rising

The destruction after Hurricane Michael seen from a helicopter. Screen shot from CNN video on Youtube.

Residents refused to evacuate when Hurricane Michael struck the US South-East

More than 375,000 people up and down the Gulf Coast were ordered or urged to evacuate because of Hur...

Residents refused to evacuate when Hurricane Michael struck the US South-East

Cars thrown around by the moving water on Mallorca.

9 dead and 12 missing in Mallorca flash flood

About 80 soldiers and 100 rescue workers currently participate in the USAR work. Hundreds of people ...

9 dead and 12 missing in Mallorca flash flood

Five dead in CO leak at Chinese factory

Five people have died and 15 have been injured in a carbon monoxide leak at a factory in northwester...

Five dead in CO leak at Chinese factory

"Monster hurricane" Michael heading for Florida

"The storm is life threatening and extremely dangerous," said governor Rick Scott, and re...

"Monster hurricane" Michael heading for Florida

At least 50 dead in oil explosion in Congo

At least 50 people have died in a fire and explosion in connection with a traffic accident involving...

At least 50 dead in oil explosion in Congo

Traffic on Hwy 1. Photo by Julie MacNeil

Stuck in a highway closure during snowstorm for 12 hours - drivers accuse first responders for lack ...

Hungry and cold, many motorists were afraid and accuse the rescue service and the police for neglect...

Stuck in a highway closure during snowstorm for 12 hours - drivers accuse first responders for lack of communication

USAR teams in Indonesia. Photo: Screen shot from ABD news clip

Difficult rescue after earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia - death toll in the hundreds and rising

At least 1200 people have been killed after the earthquake with subsequent tsunami in Indonesia on T...

Difficult rescue after earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia - death toll in the hundreds and rising

The detonation area is inspected right after the bomb was deployed by the Swedish Air Force during the forest fire in Dalarna in July 2018. Photo by Mats Nystrlm, Swedish Armed Forces.

Positive evaluation of the use of military grade bomb to blow out forest fire

The bomb that fell over the area were of the type GBU-49, a gps - and-laser controlled bomb of the s...

Positive evaluation of the use of military grade bomb to blow out forest fire

Forest fire fighting handbook for cross border cooperation with common terms in English, French, Ita...

Specific forest fire fighting terms, logistics and first aid, as well as two appendices related to w...

Forest fire fighting handbook for cross border cooperation with common terms in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Greek

2500 workers flee from a skyscraper fire in Kuwait - 62 storey construction site evacuated

A tree has fallen on the road, blocking the street. Screen shot from The Guardian´s YouTube video.

Violent storm wreak havoc in UK and Ireland

Two people have died as Storm Ali swept in with winds of over 100mph across across the north of Irel...

Violent storm wreak havoc in UK and Ireland

Heavy smoke coming from Kings Plaza in Brooklyn, New York. Photo: DSTV

17 firefighters injured in Brooklyn Kings Plaza fire & explosion

Monday September 17th a fire broke out in a garage by a Brooklyn shopping mall in New York. Explosi...

17 firefighters injured in Brooklyn Kings Plaza fire & explosion

Registration is now open: Fire, Rescue & New Challenges - CTIF Seminar in Brussels November 9-10, 20...

The CTIF seminar "Fire, Rescue and New Challenges" will be held for two days, on Friday ...

Registration is now open: Fire, Rescue & New Challenges - CTIF Seminar in Brussels November 9-10, 2018

CTIF exctursion in the burned forest of Campion del Fiore. Photo: Tore Eriksson

Excursion to the burned forest of Campio dei Fiore marked end of Forest Fire Commission´s 1st day

There was also a detailed presentation about the extension and the parameters of the fire that occur...

Excursion to the burned forest of Campio dei Fiore marked end of Forest Fire Commission´s 1st day

Temperature anomalies in Sweden and parts of Northern Europe summer 2018. Photo: Wikipedia

Swedish authorities evaluate the catastropic wildfires last summer - new national plan for rapid siz...

Sweden wants to be more self sufficient during wild fire season. This past summer, Sweden received E...

Swedish authorities evaluate the catastropic wildfires last summer - new national plan for rapid size up and more self reliance from EU

Cover Photo: A firefighter watches a fire tornado near Vanderhoof, B.C. (Photo by Mary Schidlowsky/Instagram)

Fire tornado caught on video: Crew near Vanderhoof, B.C., struggles to save equipment from wind and ...

A video posted to Instagram shows an unreal scene of a fire tornado pulling the hose of a B.C. wildf...

Fire tornado caught on video: Crew near Vanderhoof, B.C., struggles to save equipment from wind and flames

Dennis Davis at the European Commission Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and Small Medium Sized Enterprises

Third DG GROW meeting in Brussels focused on domestic fire safety

CTIF participated with over 30 organizations and governments in the EU Commission’s Fire Information...

Third DG GROW meeting in Brussels focused on domestic fire safety

Screenshot from a collection of private footage of the typhoon hitting Hong Kong.

Typhoon Mangkhut hits Hong Kong after killing 60 in the Philippines

After killing around 60 people in the Philippines, typhoon Mangkhut is now hitting Hong Kong hard. A...

Typhoon Mangkhut hits Hong Kong after killing 60 in the Philippines

Thunder Tiger Sirius Search and Rescue Helicopter. Photo: Wikipedia

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges; CTIF Seminar November 9-10

Various speakers on New Technologies, Drones, Best Practices for Alternative Energy Vehicles, the ne...

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges; CTIF Seminar November 9-10

Hurricane Florence photographed from the International Space Station.

"Flooding of Biblical Proportions" and desvastating winds as two massive storms hits US, Philippines...

At least seven people have died in the US during Hurricane Florence and 13 people are dead in Asia i...

"Flooding of Biblical Proportions" and desvastating winds as two massive storms hits US, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and China

Chaos for the fire brigade: Multiple gas explosions north of Boston

Fires, explosions and heavy gas fires have been reported from at least 70 properties in residential ...

Chaos for the fire brigade: Multiple gas explosions north of Boston

A Persian firefighter ascending one of Tehran´s ladder trucks.

Large fire in a 10-storey Tehran shopping mall started in a fireworks shop

Firefighters from seven fire stations were dispatched to the scene. The seat of the fire was at a fi...

Large fire in a 10-storey Tehran shopping mall started in a fireworks shop

Propane bottles in the burned out cars. Photo: SVT

Propane bottles found in burning vehicle - car fire could have ended in disaster for firefighters

"The worst case scenario is if these bottles had exploded when we arrived with a large pressur...

Propane bottles found in burning vehicle - car fire could have ended in disaster for firefighters

Hurricane Florence more powerful than expected - more than a million on the US East Coast to be evac...

"Florence is likely to be a major and extremely dangerous hurricane, regardless of the intensit...

Hurricane Florence more powerful than expected - more than a million on the US East Coast to be evacuated

The accident occurred on the road between the cities of Laifa and Makurdi, about 20 miles southeast of the capital Abuja. Photo: TT / @FAUXHEMIAN_ (Twitter)

35 dead in Nigeria tank truck explosion

The explosion on Monday allegedly occurred when the tanker was transfering gasoline to the gas stati...

35 dead in Nigeria tank truck explosion

The tanker ship where the two men died in an accident with hydrogen sulphide.

Two dead in chemical accident in Norway

The two men had inhaled the toxic gas hydrogen sulphide. The accident occurred on a Malta-registered...

Two dead in chemical accident in Norway

20 million objects destroyed in Rio National Museum fire

A violent fire broke out in Brazil's 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday ...

20 million objects destroyed in Rio National Museum fire

Millions of trucks recalled because seat belts are starting fires

The Official CTIF Dinner on November 9th: Fire, Rescue & New Challenges

CTIF Senior Adviser Dennis Davies at the Executive Committee meeting in Las Vegas, June 2018.

Dennis Davis back as Chair for Commission Europe

Commission Europe has been active for nearly twenty years including being a major player in two EU p...

Dennis Davis back as Chair for Commission Europe

Smoke simulation from Firesmoke.ca on Aug 25, 2018

Smoke Forecasting System claims pacific west coast wildfire smoke reaches all the way to Ireland

It´s not just B.C. that sends smoke far away: “We get smoke from Siberia,” David Lyder at Firesmoke....

Smoke Forecasting System claims pacific west coast wildfire smoke reaches all the way to Ireland

Map of where the earthquake occured in Iran

Two dead and 200 injured in Iran earthquake

The first tremour had a magnitude of 6.0. Two aftershocks have been recorded, although the Red Cross...

Two dead and 200 injured in Iran earthquake

American Waste and Recycling Facility Fires Spike in 2018 August 24, 2018 by Alyssa Danigelis facility fires (Photo: A scrap yard fire near Denver in early July. Credit: @RyanO_KDVR on Twitter)

Severe increase in North American number of garbage facility fires - lithium batteries believed to b...

37 US and Canadian facility fire incidents occurred in March and then 36 in April, making it one of ...

Severe increase in North American number of garbage facility fires - lithium batteries believed to be partly to blame

The Czeck firetruck overturned in the ditch.

Commander dead and driver in critical condition in fire truck accident in the Czech Republic

One crew member died in the accident, and another suffered very serious injuries. Two other crew me...

Commander dead and driver in critical condition in fire truck accident in the Czech Republic

Screen shot from News Zone´s YouYube video of the bush accident in Finland.

Four people dead when a bus crashed and fell off a bridge in Finland

"The bus fell 7-10 meters down from the bridge and on to the railroad. It was a loud bang. We i...

Four people dead when a bus crashed and fell off a bridge in Finland

"Government neglect to blame for wildfire chaos - not just heat waves and climate change"

Map of area where the forest fire is buring near Berlin.

New forest fire near Berlin: 600 people evacuated

Several hundred firefighters are participating in a comprehensive extinguishing effort. The fire is ...

New forest fire near Berlin: 600 people evacuated

A map of the area where the five western US communities studied are located.

Innovative land use planning tools to avoid wildfires: A study of five Western US communities

The Morandi Bridge in genua, after the collapse. Screen shot from the video below.

Why did the Morandi Bridge collapse? - and why did the authorities not listen to the expert warnings...

Why did the Morandi Bridge collapse? - and why did the authorities not listen to the expert warnings?

Thermometer showing 31 degrees Celsius in Sweden, summer of 2018. Photo: Bjorn Ulfsson

Expert warns: Extreme temperatures are here to stay

Some scientists warn that extreme temperatures can be a permanent change in our climate in just a fe...

Expert warns: Extreme temperatures are here to stay

Norwegian mountain at severe risk of collapse - homes evacuated

The risk of collapse is set to "extreme" and the rail road is closed off until further not...

Norwegian mountain at severe risk of collapse - homes evacuated

Train creating sparks as the metal wheels grind against the rails. Screen dump from a video by Wide World of Trains.

Government agency blames majority of forest fires on sparks from trains

Leif Sandahl, fire engineer at MSB: "It's time for the train companies to start thinking a...

Government agency blames majority of forest fires on sparks from trains

Burning cars nears Gothenburg. Photo: Henric Vesanen

80 cars lit on fire by masked rioters in Western Sweden

A 19-year old was Wednesday detained in his absence by Interpool in Turkey, suspected of playing a m...

80 cars lit on fire by masked rioters in Western Sweden

A view of the collapsed bridge in Genua with a rescue helicopter and fire trucks. Screen dump from Time´s yourtube channel.

Death toll rising in Genua bridge collaps: 39 dead and hundreds evacuated near the bridge

"We all knew this bridge was broken. We have known for a long time that it was in bad conditio...

Death toll rising in Genua bridge collaps: 39 dead and hundreds evacuated near the bridge

Taiwan hospice fire. Photo by EBC Network

Ten dead in Taiwan hospital fire

At least nine people have been killed, and about 15 people have been injured.

Ten dead in Taiwan hospital fire

igo accident Photo: Twitter DiegoGagoB.png

Hundreds of injured during Spanish music festival in Vigo

Lots of people crowded together to see the performance of a rap music artist in Vigo in Galicia when...

Hundreds of injured during Spanish music festival in Vigo

Two Swedish fighter jets JAS 39 Gripen. Photo by Robin Lorentz-Allard

US Air Force officer urges fire services to adapt the Swedish method of bombing forest fires

The bomb created a pressure wave which disturbed the oxygen supply to the fire. The bomb was release...

US Air Force officer urges fire services to adapt the Swedish method of bombing forest fires

Catastrophic wildfire situation in California and worst drought in 50 years in Australia

Gigantiv BLEVE on Italian highway: 1 dead and 60 injured

During Monday, two trucks collided on a Bologna highway in northern Italy. One of the trucks is said...

Gigantiv BLEVE on Italian highway: 1 dead and 60 injured

Burned building in Greece. Screen shot from Huffington Post.

Greece 2018: Over 3000 illegal buildings demolished for fire prevention

"The chaos that unregulated buildings cause is threatening human life and can no longer be tole...

Greece 2018: Over 3000 illegal buildings demolished for fire prevention

Firefighter in Iran fighting a warehouse fire

Fire destroys crystal warehouse in Fada'ian-e Islam, Iran

Four firefighters suffered from smoke inhalation tackling the blaze. As EMS and emergency nursing pe...

Fire destroys crystal warehouse in Fada'ian-e Islam, Iran

Three California wildfires merging into the largest in state´s history

An area of over 115,000 hectares, which corresponds to almost all of Los Angeles, has been affecte...

Three California wildfires merging into the largest in state´s history

Forest fire in Portugal after extreme heat wave

An extreme heat wave makes temperatures approach new record highs of over 46 degrees.

Forest fire in Portugal after extreme heat wave

16,000 people evacuated in 80, 000 hectare California wildfire near Mendocino

At least 91 dead in the earthquake in Indonesia

Hundreds of people are reported to be injured and hundreds of buildings have been damaged or destroy...

At least 91 dead in the earthquake in Indonesia

Fire chiefs, police chiefs and politicians in Greece leave their jobs after catastrophic wildfire in...

The heads of Greece's national police and rescue service have left their jobs after the fatal f...

Fire chiefs, police chiefs and politicians in Greece leave their jobs after catastrophic wildfire in 2021

By 20minutos.es - "Decenas de muertos en un incendio en Portugal" at 20minutos, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60070712

Portugal is strengthening emergency preparedness to avoid last year´s fatal wildfire tragedy

64 people died in last summer´s forest fires in Portugal. The fires broke out after a heat wave and ...

Portugal is strengthening emergency preparedness to avoid last year´s fatal wildfire tragedy

Screen shot of the CBC video showing how the Carr fire is developing a new weather system.

California wildfire is getting so big it´s starting to create its own weather system

Extreme heat wave in Southern Europe - temperatures could be deadly in Spain and Portugal by this w...

People at risk could die or have heat related health problems. Hospitals are expected to be filled p...

Extreme heat wave in Southern Europe - temperatures could be deadly in Spain and Portugal by this weekend

Man cooling down with water from a hose. Photo: Wikipedia Commons License

The record heatwaves and droughts that set the world on fire in 2018

Unusually high temperatures in normally cool countries like Great Britain, Finland, Ireland and Japa...

The record heatwaves and droughts that set the world on fire in 2018

Critical 24 hours for the fire services in Sweden: "We´re terrified of what tomorrow may bring... Do...

The rescue service is very concerned about thunder storms and heavy winds which could cause the fire...

Critical 24 hours for the fire services in Sweden: "We´re terrified of what tomorrow may bring... Don´t even light a cigarette outside!

Screen dump of ABC news clip of the wildfires in Southern California

Wildfire state of emergency declared in California - thousands evacuated and firefighters are injure...

One person is dead. Civilians and firefighters have been injured. Authorities suspect the fire has b...

Wildfire state of emergency declared in California - thousands evacuated and firefighters are injured

Laymen try to extinguish a wildfire with wet branches in France 1949

An overview of the deadliest wildfires in Europe

Forest fires have harvested many lives, mainly in Southern Europe. Here are some of the deadliest in...

An overview of the deadliest wildfires in Europe

Photo of wildfire fighting by Pixabay.com

Investigation claims "Swedish authorities are severely lacking in emergency planning for wildfire di...

Supplies of fire hose started to run out already in June. Paper maps were not available and experts ...

Investigation claims "Swedish authorities are severely lacking in emergency planning for wildfire disasters"

2018 wildfires: Swedish Air Force successfully used fighter jets with bombs to blow out a forest fir...

The bomb had a very good effect on the wildfire, according to chief Johan Szymanski at a press conf...

2018 wildfires: Swedish Air Force successfully used fighter jets with bombs to blow out a forest fire

CBS youtube video screen shot of the Greek fires.

2018: 80 dead in the worst forest fires in Greece in over a decade

The mayor of Marathon has no doubt the death toll will rise. 40 people are still missing, according ...

2018: 80 dead in the worst forest fires in Greece in over a decade

Many victims of flooding in Laos and Vietnam

Hundreds of people are missing because of a power dam that has collapsed has broken in Laos, accordi...

Many victims of flooding in Laos and Vietnam

50 dead in the most devastating forest fires in Greece in a decade

- I saw at least 100 burning homes. It´s a total disaster, says Evangelos Bournous, mayor of Rafina.

50 dead in the most devastating forest fires in Greece in a decade

View of Acropolis in Athens. Photo: Wikipedia

Athens forest fire forcing people from their homes along the coast

A forest fire has spread beyond control and is moving towards several settlements.

Athens forest fire forcing people from their homes along the coast

Firefighting Systems in Åmål, Sweden, claims to have developed the most powerful firefighting water canon in the world.

New firefighting water cannon said to produce up to 81000 liters/minute

It requires larges bodies of water but it can allegedly reach 3 kilometers (1,7 miles) from the wate...

New firefighting water cannon said to produce up to 81000 liters/minute

NASA´s Suomi satellite program can see the most intense wild fires from space

This video from 2016 explains how the NASA Suomi satellite program for wild fire detection works.

NASA´s Suomi satellite program can see the most intense wild fires from space

Map over Japan, showing the temperatures in late July 2018.

Warmer than ever in Japan - almost 80 have died and 30 000 hospitalized for heat related health prob...

On Monday, the highest temperature in the country so far, 41.1 degrees, (106 F) was noted in Kumag...

Warmer than ever in Japan - almost 80 have died and 30 000 hospitalized for heat related health problems

Live ammunition stopped the helicopters - firefighters trapped in the forest fire

This weekend a controlled 800 hectares prescribed, controlled fire - the largest ever in Sweden, wa...

Live ammunition stopped the helicopters - firefighters trapped in the forest fire

Sweden is burning - the EU rushes to aid in multiple unstoppable forest fires during hottest summer ...

Four of the large fires in Sweden are un-extinguishable, says Marcus Årskog, Operations Officer of t...

Sweden is burning - the EU rushes to aid in multiple unstoppable forest fires during hottest summer in 260 years

Pacific rim fire in 2015. Photo: Wikipedia Commons License

Wildfire safety tips from the NFPA

By working together residents can make their own property - and their neighborhood - much safer from...

Wildfire safety tips from the NFPA

Firefighter died in Yosemite National Park forest fire

Last year, a total of 14 firefighters died when the United States suffered from the second worst sea...

Firefighter died in Yosemite National Park forest fire

Sangre de Christo Mountains. Photo: Wikipedia

Danish man on trial for starting Colorado forest fire

He was camping and thought that the camp fire was completely extinguished. The next day he saw flame...

Danish man on trial for starting Colorado forest fire

KNR News screen shot from the iceberg at Innaarsuit, Greenland

Iceberg on Greenland could create a local tsunami

"We are used to large icebergs, but we have not seen such a big one before," said Susanna ...

Iceberg on Greenland could create a local tsunami

China chemical plant explosion. Photo: China Daily

China’s latest chemical explosion kills 19 — recalling the Tianjin tragedy

Commenters expressed skepticism about industrial safety standards improving in China. On Weibo, that...

China’s latest chemical explosion kills 19 — recalling the Tianjin tragedy

Many dead in crash explosion between bus and tanker in Iran

Massive explosion near Cairo International Airport

A large plume of smoke could be seen shooting forth from a location close to the airport, social med...

Massive explosion near Cairo International Airport

Guide to easily navigate CTIF.org by subject matter and category

Feedback from users have shown that many people have difficulties finding what they are looking for ...

Guide to easily navigate CTIF.org by subject matter and category

Cistern with hundreds of tons of heated sugar solution at risk of exploding

When the ph level falls and the sugar solution becomes more acidic, the risk of fire and explosion i...

Cistern with hundreds of tons of heated sugar solution at risk of exploding

Photo: image of fire at arrival emergency services Photo 2x ©RV (Luc Alain de Haes)

Lessons Learned from an accident involving an LNG truck

Traffic accidents involving LGN vehicles require different intervention procedures than for gasoline...

Lessons Learned from an accident involving an LNG truck

Panic and Human Behavior in Fire & Emergency Situations

Emergencies do not always bring out the worst in humans. In this research article Navid Bayat from t...

Panic and Human Behavior in Fire & Emergency Situations

Helicopter applying water on a forest fire in Risco Blanco on southern Gran Canaria today, Monday. Photo: Cabildo de Gran Canaria

Heat wave over Canary Islands prompts activation of emergency plan for forest fires - here´s how the...

- Never go into ravines or distant areas and never attempt to escape from the fire by moving upwards...

Heat wave over Canary Islands prompts activation of emergency plan for forest fires - here´s how they educate the public

This is how the "buddy diving" is carried out.

This is how the divers perform the complicated cave rescue

BEA: Fire in cockpit the likely cause of the deadly 2016 Egyptair airplane crash

French investigators rejected the Egyptian explosion theory on Friday, casting doubt over Egyptian f...

BEA: Fire in cockpit the likely cause of the deadly 2016 Egyptair airplane crash

Jessica Andersson´s cracked window fmor the inside.

"Always carry something heavy inside your car" - Automatic windows trapped woman in her scorching ho...

A hot car can be a death trap. When Jessica Andersson locked herself out of her car, she crawled thr...

"Always carry something heavy inside your car" - Automatic windows trapped woman in her scorching hot car - had to break herself out through the glass

Screen dump from Channel NewsAsia of the cave divers working in the cave

Falling oxygen levels press the rescuers to dive the boys out of the Thai cave - collection of video...

Four of the boys stuck in the Tham Luang cave have been rescued through a system of "buddy divi...

Falling oxygen levels press the rescuers to dive the boys out of the Thai cave - collection of videos explain the extrication efforts

Rescue workers extricating victims from the turkish train derailment.

Over 100 ambulances dispatched to muddy and hard to reach train derailment in Turkey

At least ten people have died and 73 people have also been injured in a train accident in northweste...

Over 100 ambulances dispatched to muddy and hard to reach train derailment in Turkey

Japanese cultleaders behind Tokyo sarin gas attack have been executed

On Monday, March 20, 1995, members of the religious cult Aum Shinrikyo placed several bags filled wi...

Japanese cultleaders behind Tokyo sarin gas attack have been executed

Canadian firefighter dead after falling from K2 mountain

Serge Dessureault, 53, had been a firefighter in Montreal for around three decades, confirmed Chris ...

Canadian firefighter dead after falling from K2 mountain

Millions evacuated in Japan after heavy rains

50 000 first responders are working in the area, where at least 64 people have died and many more ar...

Millions evacuated in Japan after heavy rains

The rescue personelle working in the muddy waters of the cave in Thailand.

Thai rescue diver died in the cave - situation more desperate as oxygen in the cave is running low

With so many rescue workers in the cave system, oxygen is depleting faster than anticipated, and the...

Thai rescue diver died in the cave - situation more desperate as oxygen in the cave is running low

Firefighters and police died during fireworks explosion rescue operation

At least 24 people have died in a series of explosions at a fireworks factory in Mexico during Thurs...

Firefighters and police died during fireworks explosion rescue operation

By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30037486

Many people missing after a ferry sunk outside of Phuket

Wednesday, the governor of Phuket, Noraphat Plodthong, said that 49 people, over half of the passeng...

Many people missing after a ferry sunk outside of Phuket

Death toll rising in Montreal heat wave 2018 - here´s the city emergency response plan

A map of the Thain cave system where the boys got lost.

Extreme Extrication Challenge: How to teach 12 children who can´t swim to dive a narrow 2,5 km cave ...

Drilling for a vertical extrication is also an alternative. 4 months of food and medical supplies ha...

Extreme Extrication Challenge: How to teach 12 children who can´t swim to dive a narrow 2,5 km cave tunnel in low visibility?

Screen shot from a video shot with a helmet camera when the boys were found.

Thai boys lost in the Tham Luang Nan Non cave system have been found alive - but getting them out co...

Sheltering them in place can pose a risk, but trying to extricate inexperienced divers through a cav...

Thai boys lost in the Tham Luang Nan Non cave system have been found alive - but getting them out could take months

TFD firefighters are responding to an overturned flammable liquids transportation truck.

Tehran Fire Department: A modern fire service in a growing city with specific challenges

With the recent disaster in Tehran where 16 firefighters were killed in the line of duty, while figh...

Tehran Fire Department: A modern fire service in a growing city with specific challenges

Several dead in Romania floods

The floods affect about one hundred cities in Romania. Bridges and other infrastructure have been de...

Several dead in Romania floods

Poncho the police dog not actually performing real CPR

The drowned disabled man in a screen shot from CNN´s YouTube video.

No legal consequenses for teens who filmed and heckled drowning man

- We will not help you, your idiot, one of the teenagers is shouting in the video which went viral i...

No legal consequenses for teens who filmed and heckled drowning man

Photo by: Daria Devyatkina California Wildfires Ffirefighters from Stockton, Calif., put out flames off of Hidden Valley Rd. while fighting a wildfire, Friday, May 3, 2013 in Hidden Valley, Calif.

Thousands are fleeing forest fires in Northern California

The dry and hot weather and the increasing winds have caused the fire to flare up and spread rapidly...

Thousands are fleeing forest fires in Northern California

The fire scene where Dave Rosa was shot to death.

US firefighter shot by resident while responding to a fire

A resident of a retirement home in Southern California opened fire on firefighters responding to a r...

US firefighter shot by resident while responding to a fire

World Fire Statistics Issue no 22 - 1017

Meet the CTIF Fire Statistics Team

The World Fire Statistics publication is among the most sought after and popular product of CTIF. Th...

Meet the CTIF Fire Statistics Team

Hundreds of people rescued after heavy rainfall in South Texas

200 water rescues were performed just in the border city of Mission. The City of McAllen and many ot...

Hundreds of people rescued after heavy rainfall in South Texas

Block of flats exploded in Germany - 25 people injured

The noise from the explosion was allegedly so loud that people in nearby homes fled into the street ...

Block of flats exploded in Germany - 25 people injured

Nixon Ridge pipeline explosion. Photo: Marshall County Homeland Security & Emergency Management / Facebook

Natural gas pipeline exploded in West Virginia

"It sounded like a freight train coming through, or a tornado, and the sky lit up bright orange...

Natural gas pipeline exploded in West Virginia

CTIF / Euro NCAP Extrication tests in Brussels. Photo: Luc De Meyer

The CTIF - Euro NCAP Extrication Week in Brussels kicked off new educational video project

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges November 9 - 10: Here's the preliminary program

The Fort McMurray wildfire. Photo: Wikipedia

Pine beetles: A new type of wildfire threat uncovered in Canada and northern US

Man filming a traffic incident involving a motorcycle. Photo: Pexels

Police: Civilians filming accidents instead of helping is an ongoing problem

The driver tried to help the woman promptly, but 10-15 people close by decided to start filming with...

Police: Civilians filming accidents instead of helping is an ongoing problem

Copper mining district in Zambia. Photo: Mining.com

Lethal accidents common in Zambia copper mines: 10 dead and at least 10 injured at illegal waste ext...

Illegal mines where civilians in the area earn money by extracting metals from the waste is common a...

Lethal accidents common in Zambia copper mines: 10 dead and at least 10 injured at illegal waste extraction site today

Hackers spread viruses to satellites - exposing serious technological vulnerabilities

The affected parties are in the United States and Southeastern Asia, and according to Symantec, the ...

Hackers spread viruses to satellites - exposing serious technological vulnerabilities

French Police raid from a different incident. Photo: Wikpedia

Several terrorists arrested in France - planned to bomb a swingers club and to attack homosexual men

French anti-terrorist police have stopped 51 planned terrorist attacks since January 2015. On Thursd...

Several terrorists arrested in France - planned to bomb a swingers club and to attack homosexual men

Fire in London on the anniversary of Grenfell

Sprinkler system saved highrise on the anniversary of Grenfell - same system may have stopped the di...

Last week, fires broke out in high rise towers in Lewisham and Glasgow on the day of the Grenfell an...

Sprinkler system saved highrise on the anniversary of Grenfell - same system may have stopped the disaster a year ago

Three men killed in London train accident may have been known graffiti artists

Police at a press conference in Malmö following the deadly shooting on June 18 2018.

Police: Malmö shootings could lead to retaliation violence to avenge the victims

Six men were shot on Monday in the middle of a major downtown Malmö shopping district. Three of the ...

Police: Malmö shootings could lead to retaliation violence to avenge the victims

Five people lost their lives in the earthquake that hit the Osaka region in Japan on Monday. The Meteorological Agency is warning another big earthquake could hit in the coming days.

Floods, landslides and more large tremors expected to follow deadly Japan earthquake

About 370 people have been injured in the quake, which was measured at the magnitude of 6.1.

Floods, landslides and more large tremors expected to follow deadly Japan earthquake

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter during open water training. (U.S. Coast

Hundreds are missing after ferry accident in northern Sumatra

The ferry sank after a storm with heavy winds and high waves on the lake. Tobas is one of the world...

Hundreds are missing after ferry accident in northern Sumatra

Wildfire threatens hom near Possum Kingdom, Texas.

Teaching Fire Prevention to the Public: 10 easy ways to defend your home or cottage against forest ...

These simple ten steps will dramatically improve the chances of your home not being destroyed in a w...

Teaching Fire Prevention to the Public: 10 easy ways to defend your home or cottage against forest fires

Behind the Bay Doors - Official movie trailder screen dump

Behind the Bay Doors - A full length documentary following the lives of six US firefighters

The film has a tentative release of Fall 2018. The film is heavily character driven, and focuses on ...

Behind the Bay Doors - A full length documentary following the lives of six US firefighters

Fire Prevention Meeting during DA in Las Vegas 2018

Fire Prevention Commission Meeting in Las Vegas Continued after DA

Meet our amazing DA Simultaneous Interpreter Team

DA in Las Vegas was simultaneously interpreted into French, German and Russian and English) by a tea...

Meet our amazing DA Simultaneous Interpreter Team

Welcome back to CTIF, Spain!

Grand Opening of CTIF Delegates Assembly with Las Vegas Firefighters´Marching Band - and a Silent Mi...

Grand Opening of CTIF Delegates Assembly with Las Vegas Firefighters´Marching Band - and a Silent Minute for Fallen Firefighters around the World

FPA´s Russ Sanders and CTIF´s Tom Van Esbroeck interviewed by Bjorn Ulfsson

Video glimpses from CTIF Delegates Assembly Grand Opening Gala Night

Follow Delegates Assembly with (almost:-) live footage here!

Video glimpses from CTIF Delegates Assembly Grand Opening Gala Night

CTIF Executive Committee meeting in Las Vegas June 13 - 2018

The CTIF Executive Committee meeting for DA 2018 at Luxor, Las Vegas

After a full day of mingling at the NFPA Conference and Expo, and attending many interesting Educati...

The CTIF Executive Committee meeting for DA 2018 at Luxor, Las Vegas

Danish man faces possible prison sentence from spreading photo of fatal accident

Heavy fog and a difficult roadway resulted in a car being clamped between two trucks, on the highway...

Danish man faces possible prison sentence from spreading photo of fatal accident

CTIF President with Russ Sanders of the NFPA during the International Breakfast Tuesday morning.

CTIF Delegates Assembly week and NFPA Conference in Las Vegas has started

Today on Tuesday morning CTIF´s executive committe was invited for an international breakfast at the...

CTIF Delegates Assembly week and NFPA Conference in Las Vegas has started

BBQ behind wildfire in Finnish national park - despite fire ban

"We had to pull about a kilometer of hose line before we got to the fire," says chief Petr...

BBQ behind wildfire in Finnish national park - despite fire ban

Fire destroyed an election office in Iraq - but the ballots were alledgedly saved

The fire struck a warehouse in Rusafa in eastern Baghdad, where ballots yet not counted were stored....

Fire destroyed an election office in Iraq - but the ballots were alledgedly saved

Italian water bombers on standby to assist Scandinavia´s forest fire efforts

The first of the large water bombers arrived on the weekend. Trains have been cancelled due to fores...

Italian water bombers on standby to assist Scandinavia´s forest fire efforts

Drone discovered & prevented a roof fire in Danish hospital

A highly advanced emergency drone can deliver photos from the air, and also a thermal camera to show...

Drone discovered & prevented a roof fire in Danish hospital

Man in heat protective suit at the edge of a volcano. Photo: National Geographic

Drones capture amazing footage of an active volcano to help scientists understand eruption disasters...

Drones capture amazing footage of an active volcano to help scientists understand eruption disasters better

Entire villages wiped out in minutes: Guatemala´s volcano disaster - Before and After - seen from sp...

Entire villages wiped out in minutes: Guatemala´s volcano disaster - Before and After - seen from space

People are now being evacuated from their homes in Swedish forest fire

25 people have been evacuated as a forest fire rages in southeastern Sweden. 50 firefighters, army p...

People are now being evacuated from their homes in Swedish forest fire

Almost 100 dead and 200 reported missing in the Volcano of Fire Eruption - 1,7 million people affect...

The USAR missions have been canceled due to high risk and many now blame the emergency agency CONRED...

Almost 100 dead and 200 reported missing in the Volcano of Fire Eruption - 1,7 million people affected by the disaster in Guatemala

A smoke pillar rises from the violent fire that broke out after the silo explosion in Strasbourg. Photo: Twitter

At least four people injured in Strasbourg silo explosion

About 70 firefighters are fighting the violent fire that broke out after the explosion. A large smok...

At least four people injured in Strasbourg silo explosion

If Crisis or War comes - printed booklet

Sweden one of the first countries to publish official broschure about war, terror attacks - and fak...

In nearly five million mailboxes all over Sweden, an updated version of a Cold War-era brochure arri...

Sweden one of the first countries to publish official broschure about war, terror attacks - and fake news

World Fire Statistics Issue no 23 - 2018: UPDATED VERSION

Contains fire statistics for many CTIF countries and their larger cities for 2016 and trends for 201...

World Fire Statistics Issue no 23 - 2018: UPDATED VERSION

The north prepares for an extreme wild fire season - bans daytime forestry and starts logging work a...

The fire hazard occurs when the forest harvesters hit rocks and stones and sparks occur. The major f...

The north prepares for an extreme wild fire season - bans daytime forestry and starts logging work at midnight for fire prevention

Grenfell Tower after the fire. Photo: Wikipedia

Grenfell Tower: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: final report

The regulatory system covering high-rise and complex buildings was not fit for purpose. We have seen...

Grenfell Tower: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: final report

Forest fire in Värmland County, Sweden 2018

Fireman died in a Swedish wildfire after scorching hot month of May

The month of May has been an unusually hot month for the season in Sweden, with several weeks of te...

Fireman died in a Swedish wildfire after scorching hot month of May

Two dead, 30 injured and dozens of homes destroyed in pyrotechnics explosion in a private home in Sp...

The great shock wave has caused major damage to houses in the area, with 12 houses almost demolished...

Two dead, 30 injured and dozens of homes destroyed in pyrotechnics explosion in a private home in Spain

The new app — the IAEA Nuclear Energy Capacity Building Hub — allows professionals to connect, network and join communities of practice. (Photo: S. Krikorian/IAEA)

IAEA introduces new digital hub for nuclear professionals

Experts can join communities of practice for each topic, provide feedback on IAEA draft publications...

IAEA introduces new digital hub for nuclear professionals

Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue met in Fairfax during iWomen conference

NFPA Report: Fatal Electrical Accidents at Work

Kilauea during the large eruption 1983. Photo: Wikipedia

"Big Island" residents ordered to shelter in place - red alert for flying

The house where Francisco Sánchez Lázaro died in the line of duty.

Spanish firefighter died in the line of duty

Spanish firefighter Francisco Sánchez Lázaro, 60, died at 01.30 am Sunday morning, while working on...

Spanish firefighter died in the line of duty

Massive fire in San Paulo highrise highlights Brazil´s affordable housing crisis

Detection dogs can now be used to sniff out smoldering embers in the aftermath of a forest fire

An official certification course is now offered aimed at teaching dogs to find smoldering fires stil...

Detection dogs can now be used to sniff out smoldering embers in the aftermath of a forest fire

Rome´s buses and trams are so old they are regularily catching fire

Almost 30 buses have caught fire in Rome during the last year and a half - this year alone, nine tra...

Rome´s buses and trams are so old they are regularily catching fire

Drone technology in fire services focal point at EENA conference in Ljubljana

Firefighter sentenced for causing collegue´s death - although fault lies with Ministry of Roads

The investigation found that the fire service should not have have been handling the wire at all as ...

Firefighter sentenced for causing collegue´s death - although fault lies with Ministry of Roads

This April 22, 2018, photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows a line of spattering along a lava lake margin with spatter being ejected well above the level of the Halema'uma'u Crater floor and occasional small bits landing on the rim with a piece of the thin, flexible crust on the lava lake being lifted and torn by a bubble burst at left in Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island.

Hawaii Volcano forces 1500 residents to evacuate

The truck used in the attack being removed from the scene. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency releases report from the 2017 terrorist attack in Stockholm

On April 7, 2017 just before noon, a truck was driven at high speed along the Drottninggatan into th...

Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency releases report from the 2017 terrorist attack in Stockholm

The explosion occurred at ten o'clock, local time. Picture shows the Coalmont, Colorado Oil Refinery. Photo: Wikipedia

Several injured in refinery explosion in Wisconsin

By rijans - Flickr: Dhaka Savar Building Collapse

Five years after the building collaps in Bangladesh - still nobody has been tried for any crimes

Survivors of Grenfell tell their stories

No terrorist connection proven in Toronto attack - 9 dead and 15 injured

The man had rented the white van, and deliberately chose to drive up on the sidewalk at high speed o...

No terrorist connection proven in Toronto attack - 9 dead and 15 injured

Montreal fire department wants to triple the recruits of women and cultural minorities

Today, only 29 of the city’s 2,360 firefighters are women (1.2 per cent). Only 24 are from visible ...

Montreal fire department wants to triple the recruits of women and cultural minorities

BBC documentary interviews firefighters at Grenfell Tower

Dany Cotton, the first ever female boss of the London Fire Brigade. BBC´s Katie Razzall spoke to her...

BBC documentary interviews firefighters at Grenfell Tower

Firefighters´ event @Sioen once again a big success

CTIF´s recent Associate Member Sioen Apparel organized this event in collaboration with Soldats du F...

Firefighters´ event @Sioen once again a big success

Photo: A bushfire at Llanilo, western Sydney, 2016. (Twitter: @FRNSW)

Bushfires still a threat against suburbs in Australia - Fire started deliberately

The New South Wales rural fire chief has described the suspected deliberate starting of the Holswort...

Bushfires still a threat against suburbs in Australia - Fire started deliberately

Healthy - "and cancer free" - firefighters - Part 1: A book about improving the working environment

Enclosure Fires - Chapter 2: How a fire starts

Two caravans on fire. Screenshot from video by MSB.se

Extreme fire hazard in camping units - important to enforce the safety distance

The video shows how quickly fire can spread between camping units. The time from ignition to deadly ...

Extreme fire hazard in camping units - important to enforce the safety distance

Six missing in Japan landslide

The wildfire on Tenerife has destroyed 220 hectares of forest and pastures

The forest fire that started Sunday night on Tenerife is still out of control. Strong wind and steep...

The wildfire on Tenerife has destroyed 220 hectares of forest and pastures

Registrations now open for CTIF Delegates Assembly in June

Registrations are now open for Delegates Assembly in the United States. All CTIF Delegates and Guest...

Registrations now open for CTIF Delegates Assembly in June

Members of the Indianapolis Fire Department in their Detox Sauna.

US fire departments turning to detox saunas to fight off the cancer threat - But are they effective?

Firefighters are suffering from an inordinate number of cancer deaths and some departments are hopin...

US fire departments turning to detox saunas to fight off the cancer threat - But are they effective?

Extreme Fire Behavior: Understanding the Hazard

Firefighters frequently base their expectations of how a fire will behave on their experience. Gisbo...

Extreme Fire Behavior: Understanding the Hazard

Two fires in the 5th Ave Tower this year alone - report claims two lobbying attempts were made again...

Two fires in the 5th Ave Tower this year alone - report claims two lobbying attempts were made against high rise sprinklers

Emergency workers were on scene late into the evening on Friday, after a team bus collided with a semi-trailer south of Nipawin, Sask. (Submitted by Kymber Rae Photography )

Chock and sadness after Canadian hockey team's death crash

At least 14 people died when a passenger bus and a truck collided in the province of Saskatchewan in...

Chock and sadness after Canadian hockey team's death crash

69 historical fire vehicles classified by the History Commission

This Tesla, an SUV, caught fire after the crash. The authorities now investigate the role of the car's autopilot system during the accident. Photo: KTVU / AP / TT

New fatal US accident with "self-driving" Tesla investigated - in Sweden speed limits for self drivi...

Concerns around the safety of "self-driving" cars are growing after a fatal accident with ...

New fatal US accident with "self-driving" Tesla investigated - in Sweden speed limits for self driving buses increase

14 injured in suspected arson embassy fire in Stockholm

4 people were injured in the fire in an embassy building on Östermalm in Stockholm, according to Swe...

14 injured in suspected arson embassy fire in Stockholm

The Tathra bushfire during its peak on Sunday. Photograph: Chris Bowles

Faulty power lines likely cause of Tathra bushfire in New South Wales, Australia

Power lines were the likely cause of the devastating bushfire that swept through the small town of T...

Faulty power lines likely cause of Tathra bushfire in New South Wales, Australia

Fish passes above a bomb where the shell is eroded at the wreck outside Måseskär. Stock Photography. Photo: Maritime Administration / TT

Fishing trawlers spreading remnants of WWII chemical weapons in Swedish and German waters

Inside the Inferno: New videos reveal the rapid fire spread in Kemerovo mall

SIBERIA MALL DISASTER: New video footage from the surveillance camera inside Kemerovo mall reveals h...

Inside the Inferno: New videos reveal the rapid fire spread in Kemerovo mall

Traffic came to a halt after the crash. Photo: Kevin Klever

Two subway trains collide in Duisburg-Meiderich: more than 20 injured

World Food Programme warehouses full of cooking fuel and food supplies burned in rebel-held port

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire engulfing warehouse of the WFP in Hudaida [Abduljabbar Zeyad/R...

World Food Programme warehouses full of cooking fuel and food supplies burned in rebel-held port

€20,000 drone crashes during Russia´s first attempt at drone mail delivery

15 dead in head-on bus collision in Kuwait

ACCIDENTS: Fifteen workers at an oil company have died in a frontal collision between two buses in s...

15 dead in head-on bus collision in Kuwait

Fully developed fire venting from the ground floor windows of a house. (Photo: Nico Speleers)

The Art of Reading Fire

FIE BEHAVIOR: BE-SAHF a.k.a. "The Art of Reading Fire", is a model for assessing a fire sc...

The Art of Reading Fire

How much science is necessary?

FIRE THEORY: Firefighters are often practical people with little patience for theory. The question o...

How much science is necessary?

A backdraft caught on video on new Fire Behavior instructional page

Learning to read the smoke can give you the warning you need to make the right decision.

A backdraft caught on video on new Fire Behavior instructional page

The Tiangong-1 space station has been hopelessly adrift since the Chinese space agency lost control of the prototype lab in 2016. Photograph: Courtesy of CMSE

The Chinese space lab could crash as early as this weekend - "probably in Europe"

SPACE: The Chinese space lab, Tiangong-1, is about to drift from the sky. The crash landing is expe...

The Chinese space lab could crash as early as this weekend - "probably in Europe"

Bus fire in Thailand kills 21

68 die in Venezuelan jail fire - Families demand answers

Photo: (Above) The 2017 Port Hills fires were wildfires in the Port Hills of Christchurch, New Zealand. Two separate fires, several kilometres apart, started on Monday afternoon on 13 February 2017. By Wednesday night, the fires had combined to one large area. A helicopter crashed helping to fight the fires, causing the death of the pilot. Nine houses were destroyed and a further two were significantly damaged by the fires, and hundreds of residents were evacuated.

World Fire Statistics Issue no 22 - 2017

The Center for Fire Statistics presents its latest report No2, containing fire statistics of many CT...

World Fire Statistics Issue no 22 - 2017

Survive in the Flow-path

By Paul Grimwood: The flow-path is the route that air/oxygen takes when it heads in to feed the fire...

Survive in the Flow-path

Photo: Paul Grimwood, EuroFirefighter.com

Under Ventilated Fires - A more dangerous firefighting environment

By Paul Grimwood. The hazards associated with under-ventilated building fires are increasing, as fir...

Under Ventilated Fires - A more dangerous firefighting environment

Burn victim and firefighter. Photo: Eglin Air Force Base

Burn injury treatment: Extended cooling reduces chances of survival

CTIF Associate Member IFA discusses how burn victims should be treated with Johannes Horter, the Hea...

Burn injury treatment: Extended cooling reduces chances of survival

CTIF´s Dennis Davis on Grenfell Tower: Revisiting Residential Highrise Fire Safety

The in-depth paper behind the lecture about this tragic and complex event is now available on CTIF.o...

CTIF´s Dennis Davis on Grenfell Tower: Revisiting Residential Highrise Fire Safety

Synthetic insulation allegedly responsible for the rapid fire spread that killed 64 in Siberia

A Home Away from Home for injured First Responders

FIREFIGHTERS´HEALTH: If you are a rural firefighter and have ever gotten hurt on the job, you know h...

A Home Away from Home for injured First Responders

In this Russian Emergency Situations Ministry photo, on Sunday, March 25, 2018, smoke rises above a multi-story shopping center in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, about 3,000 kilometers east of Moscow, Russia.

The numbers of causalties are rising in the shopping center fire in Southern Siberia - over 600 resc...

RUSSIA: Almost 50 people have died and 64 people are missing after a devastating fire in a shopping ...

The numbers of causalties are rising in the shopping center fire in Southern Siberia - over 600 rescue workers deployed

Scene from "Motherless Brooklyn". © Getty Images Pierre Suu / Contributor

New York firefighter killed on a Harlem film set

On Thursday night, a New York City firefighter died in a basement fire in Harlem on the set of the f...

New York firefighter killed on a Harlem film set

Photo by: Pratt Volunteer Fire Department

Two volunteer firefighter fatalities in fire truck flip-over

Two firefighters never made it out when old brownstone factory collapsed after a violent fire

13 dead and 28 injured in Saigon apartment fire

VIETNAM: The fire started at the lower part of the apartment on Vo Van Kiet Street in District 8 at ...

13 dead and 28 injured in Saigon apartment fire

At least six dead in large explosion at a chemical factory in the Czech Republic

HAZMAT: Six people have been killed today and four are injured in an explosion at a chemical plant i...

At least six dead in large explosion at a chemical factory in the Czech Republic

Three New York City firefighters in front of a burning building following the September 11th terrorist attack. Photo by: Wikipedia

Researchers find firefighters face up to triple risk of cancer

FIREFIGHTER´S HEALTH: The risk of firefighters developing cancer may much be higher than previously ...

Researchers find firefighters face up to triple risk of cancer

CFBT Training in a steel container. Photo by John McDonough

What is Compartment Fire Behavior Training?

CFBT let´s you study Fire Behavior in a controlled and comparably safe manner: How does a fire devel...

What is Compartment Fire Behavior Training?

Team-building THW-style: JCD trainers, JCD volunteers and THW mentors disentangle a “Gordian knot” together.

First Natural Disasters volunteers training held in Jordan

JORDAN: 2017 saw the first-ever civil defense volunteers being trained in Amman (Jordan) for possibl...

First Natural Disasters volunteers training held in Jordan

The exercise took place in difficult conditions, which made smooth consultation among the participants even more important. Source: THW/Frank Winterfeld

Successful UN Exercise at THW National Training Center

DISASTER RELIEF: One of the largest international disaster relief exercises was held with the UN Wor...

Successful UN Exercise at THW National Training Center

CTIF strengthens cooperation with Germany: THW Federal Agency as new member and increased cooperatio...

THW - the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief, Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk, has joine...

CTIF strengthens cooperation with Germany: THW Federal Agency as new member and increased cooperation with DFV

New portable live buoy could change marine & beach rescue

Many injured and two firemen down in Mumbai explosion and fire

INDIA: A boiler explosion at the Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Mumbai killed three people and inju...

Many injured and two firemen down in Mumbai explosion and fire

Shepherd suspected arson in the great 2017 Gran Canaria forest fire

However, the suspect has suffered a stroke and cannot be interrogated.

Shepherd suspected arson in the great 2017 Gran Canaria forest fire

Norwegian parliament confirms no foul play in the 1990 Scandinavian Star ship fire

No foul play can be proven in the 28 year old ferry disaster, which was one of the worst ever in Nor...

Norwegian parliament confirms no foul play in the 1990 Scandinavian Star ship fire

Explosions during interventions involving compressed gas powered vehicles

LPG, LNG and LBG vehicles can explode with a violent force capable of killing humans and destroying ...

Explosions during interventions involving compressed gas powered vehicles

20 brand new car wrecks donated to CTIF Belgium for public training videos

CTIF Belgium will produce training videos while demonstrating extrication on the car wrecks for trai...

20 brand new car wrecks donated to CTIF Belgium for public training videos

The Lessons from Oklahoma City, NYC and Madrid still live on

Up until the 1990’s terrorism was however tragic usually seen as rather small and low intensity even...

The Lessons from Oklahoma City, NYC and Madrid still live on

CTIFs Dennis Davies & UL global fire director Bob James

UL partners with new IFT testing facility in Germany

Submission Guidelines for Questions to Delegates Assembly 2018

The Delegates’ Assembly is CTIF‘s highest decision making body. Here are guidelines for submitting Q...

Submission Guidelines for Questions to Delegates Assembly 2018

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CTIF OFFICE

Here are the hours for the CTIF Permanent Office. Please check in here for updates.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CTIF OFFICE

Enregistrez-vous maintenant pour l’Assemblée des Délégués!

Le CTIF et la NFPA ont le plaisir de vous inviter à l’Assemblée des Délégués 2018 qui se déroulera d...

Enregistrez-vous maintenant pour l’Assemblée des Délégués!

Thermal camera drone saved car crash victim from freezing to death

Smoke build-up in hidden spaces = deadly surprises

Smoke buildup in hidden spaces is one of the most dangerous situations in structural fire fighting. ...

Smoke build-up in hidden spaces = deadly surprises

Lots of new Member´s Only features at CTIF.org - click here to learn how to use them!

Ottawa University researcher Jennifer Keir and Captain Dave Matschke.

Groundbreaking research 2018 shows firefighters absorb harmful chemicals through skin - despite full...

FEATURED ARTICLE: A growing body of evidence has shown firefighters have an increased risk of cancer...

Groundbreaking research 2018 shows firefighters absorb harmful chemicals through skin - despite full protection

Emergency driving, a risk that is always present during turn-outs

High risks associated with driving heavy emergency vehicles

Emergency Driving with fire vehicles can be very dangerous, especially during winter conditions. Dri...

High risks associated with driving heavy emergency vehicles

CTIF´s Dennis Davies at Fire Expo in China

Meet our new CTIF Secretary

Graniteville Chlrone Distaster, Aerial view

The Graniteville Chlorine Disaster

On January 6th, 2005, 9 people died, over 500 were injured, and more than 5000 were evacuated in wha...

The Graniteville Chlorine Disaster

A firefighter being interviewed by another firefighter

Learn to tell your stories of Lessons Learned on video

Rosander & Giselsson - The Swedish Model of Interior Firefighting

Four firefighters walking away in the sunset

CTIF - The Official Video

2017

CTIF Newsletter for Fall 2017

CTIF moves office from Stockholm to Ljubljana, Slovenia

Newsletter 2017 - Spring

2015

Important information on the European Working Time Directive

Note of Meeting with Cabinet of Commissioner Marianne THYSSEN, 29 June 2015 Berlaymont, BRUSSELS.

Important information on the European Working Time Directive

In memory of Erwin Wiederin

2014

Newsletter 2014 - autumn

CTIF sign Memorandum of Understanding with Metro Chiefs

CTIF President Tore Eriksson in Baltimore signing MOU with Metro Chiefs, to promote information shar...

CTIF sign Memorandum of Understanding with Metro Chiefs

2013

Strenghtening the european citizens safety and security through co-operation CFPA-E, CTIF and FEU pr...

The Finnish National CTIF Committee was honoured to host meeting of the President of CFPA Europe, Mr...

Strenghtening the european citizens safety and security through co-operation CFPA-E, CTIF and FEU presidents cooperation meeting