BC Wildfire Service firefighters in Pemberton B.C. undergoing physical testing for researchers to collect pre-season data related to health and physiology.
After more than a decade of combating smoky wildfires in British Columbia, Kyler Gaulin says being on the front line has taken a toll on his body.
The B.C. Wildfire Services , in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, is embarking on what they're considering "groundbreaking" research, looking at the respiratory health of wildland firefighters. Many use nothing except bandanas to cover their noses and mouths, according to occupational hygienist Drew Lichty.
Wildland firefighter Emily Bennington wears an assortment of devices that will be used to collect data related to firefighter health and physiology this upcoming fire season in B.C. "These studies are super important obviously ... unfortunately, it's taken a couple busy years to get recognition of how serious the wildfires are becoming," he said.As part of UBC's research, BCWS is also testing some masks, including multiple models of half-face dual cartridge respirators, which would enhance breathability and filter harmful particulates and gases.0:49
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Preparing for a busy wildfire season, a look inside Alberta’s wildland firefighter trainingNew wildland firefighting recruits are putting their skills to the test at Alberta's wildfire training centre in Hinton.
Read more »
'Every second counts': BC Wildfire Service expands use of predictive techThe new technology will provide decision-makers with more intelligence and more time to plan their operations.
Read more »
'Every second counts': BC Wildfire Service expands use of predictive techThe new technology will provide decision-makers with more intelligence and more time to plan their operations.
Read more »
2023 'holdover wildfires' producing smoke again: wildfire serviceThe Tsah Creek fire, nearly 25 km south of Fort St. James, sends up smoke beside Highway 27 on Sunday, when it was estimated to be roughly three square kilometres in size. The B.C. Wildfire Service considers it out of control, and highly visible or posing a potential threat to public safety.
Read more »
Ontario to give out $5,000 bonuses to wildland firefightersTORONTO — Ontario plans to give front-line wildland firefighters and pilots a $5,000 bonus and make 100 of those jobs permanent in an effort to recruit and retain more workers.
Read more »
Ontario Offers Bonus to Wildland Firefighters to Recruit and Retain WorkersOntario plans to give front-line wildland firefighters and pilots a $5,000 bonus and make 100 of those jobs permanent in an effort to recruit and retain more workers. The province wants more people fighting wildland fires and is planning a recruitment blitz ahead of the start of the wildfire season. The majority of forest firefighters in the province are part-timers and low pay is a major problem in retaining them. The government is working on longer-term plans to stabilize the workforce, including the purchase of new equipment. Ontario had its worst wildfire season ever last year and is seeing more fires per year over the last decade. A robust forest fire ranger program will also allow the province to help out other provinces and territories.
Read more »