DA 2018

CTIF information for Associate Members News

News Archive

2023

Night firefighters. Original public domain image from Flickr Public Domain Free U.S. Government Image

CTIF Addressing the Climate Crisis: A Call to Action for Fire and Rescue Services Worldwide

PRESS RELEASE: The Executive Committee has released an official statement on the subjec...

CTIF Addressing the Climate Crisis: A Call to Action for Fire and Rescue Services Worldwide

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 i...

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...

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

Map of Nordic Countries and Balticum

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...

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 Grindavi...

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 immu...

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 tre...

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...

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 th...

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 i...

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 ...

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 i...

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...

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,...

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 o...

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 brig...

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 ...

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...

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 v...

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,...

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...

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, incl...

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

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 Ex...

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 ember...

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...

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...

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 l...

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...

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

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

Deadly flooding in Slovenia and Georgia - Slovenia request international help - massive hailstorm in...

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

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...

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 sti...

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 devastatin...

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, say...

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...

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 c...

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...

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...

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, ...

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 h...

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...

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 Cop...

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...

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 work...

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 can...

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 f...

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 w...

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 briga...

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 t...

CTIF signed MOU with Organización de Bomberos Americanos

CTIF Newsletter letterhead

Sign up for CTIF´s monthly newsletters!

This is an additional service to our Members where we summarize our CTIF activities in ...

Sign up for CTIF´s monthly newsletters!

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),...

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 ...

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 exten...

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-Mere...

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. Offi...

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 structu...

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 ...

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...

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

Map of Germany

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-...

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 compart...

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, 202...

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 ...

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 communitie...

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,...

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 Honor

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

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

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 cel...

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 M...

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

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

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 t...

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 wor...

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

Szymon Kokot is the host of the webinar video "Cancer in the Fire Services 3".

Webinar video: "Cancer in the Fire Services"

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

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 ...

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 r...

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

Alphonse Hartmann

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 compe...

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...

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 w...

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 add...

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

Mercedes fire truck

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 u...

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

Example illustration

CTIF Certified Museums & Collections

This is the guide to fire service museums and fire service collections which are certif...

CTIF Certified Museums & Collections

"A kid choosing a foreign language to learn", by: Marco Verch Professional Photographer, Flickr Wikipedia Creative Commons License.

We have added a new language to our site! CTIF.org is now available in French, German and Spanish!!

In order to better serve our members, we have added Spanish translations, where we alre...

We have added a new language to our site! CTIF.org is now available in French, German and Spanish!!

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...

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 Jak...

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 hom...

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 organizati...

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 w...

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 ...

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

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

High concentrations of toxins in high rise fires like Grenfell possibly linked to firefighter cancer...

Large fires involving synthetic materials create high levels of toxic contaminants. Acc...

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

Beirut before the explosion.

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 dis...

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...

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...

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 E...

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 bat...

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 con...

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 spre...

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 t...

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 ef...

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

Tommaso.sansone91 Licensing I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license: Creative Commons CC-Zero This file is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. The person who associated a work with this deed has dedicated the work to the public domain by waiving all of their rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law. You can copy, modify, distribute

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 tha...

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 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 t...

January 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...

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,...

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 restric...

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...

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 domin...

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

2022

CTIF Christmas card 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...

25 dead in Cambodia casino fire

This photo of a fire on an expressway in Gwacheon on Dec. 29, 2022 is provided by a news reader. Yonhap

Rapid vehicle fire development in Seoul highway tunnel

The fire occurred in a noise barrier tunnel along an expressway in Gwacheon, South Kore...

Rapid vehicle fire development in Seoul highway tunnel

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 woode...

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 ...

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 ...

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 amo...

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 Du...

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 ...

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 t...

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 squar...

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 i...

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 sen...

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 coul...

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 ...

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...

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 i...

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 ...

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 Influenc...

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 e...

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 developm...

High rise fires in Dubai and New York: questions arise about dangerous cladding

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

CTIF renewed MOU with FEU at signing ceremony in Madrid

CTIF and FEU renewed their Memorandum of Understanding in Madrid on Friday November 4th...

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 encl...

"Predicting Deadly Backdrafts": NIST works on machine learning application to help firefighters avoid dangerous situations

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

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 dange...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 ...

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 Jo...

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 t...

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 ...

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/...

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 CTI...

CTIF signs Memorandum of Understanding with WRO

Swat, Pakistan August 5, 2010.

Millions affected by the floods in Pakistan - 1300 dead

Over 100,000 people living near the lake Manchar have been evacuated, according to med...

Millions affected by the floods in Pakistan - 1300 dead

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 ...

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...

Headlines from fire & rescue around the world - August 2022

CTIF Milan Dubravac during the opening of the Firefighters´Olympics Week in Celje, July 18th, 2022.

Annual Report 2022 by CTIF president Milan Dubravac

This report was held as a speech by CTIF President Milan Dubravac during Delegates Asse...

Annual Report 2022 by CTIF president Milan Dubravac

CTIF World Map

"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 calle...

"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 ad...

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 ...

See the live stream and videos from the CTIF Firefighters Olympics in Celje!

Silent minute at DA 2022

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...

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 co...

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...

200 firefighters from six EU countries in Greece to help prevent another forest fire disaster in 2022

Photo: Flickr, by Brisbane City Counsil

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...

Sydney struck by flooding - thousands evacuated from Australia´s largest city

Chlorine leak in Jordan

Massive Chlorine Leak in Jordan - 12 dead and over 250 Injured

An intermodel tank container was reportedly dropped while being offloaded from a ship r...

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...

A productive week for CTIF networking at Interschutz - the world´s largest Fire & Rescue Exhibition

CTIF Games in Villach

The International Firefighters Olympics of CTIF

A spectacular event gathering 3500 competitors from over 30 countries, with over 10 000...

The International Firefighters Olympics of CTIF

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 Spai...

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, headphon...

Large increase in lithium battery related fires over the last 6 years

Cat and Friday 13

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 re...

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 risk...

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...

The CTIF Fire Statistics Berlin office is urgently asking all member nations for 2020 fire statistics by May 1st

Map of South Africa. Google Maps

Hundreds dead in South Africa flooding disaster

The death toll is rising after the floods in South Africa: More than 440 people have di...

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 ...

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 tho...

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 imp...

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 com...

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 a...

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 office...

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 leavi...

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 Membe...

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 wi...

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 w...

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 ac...

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 N...

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 ...

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 ro...

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 ...

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 bo...

National emergency in Canada over nationwide illegal blockades

Map of Munich by Google Earth

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...

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 id...

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 COVI...

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 ...

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, t...

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 ...

Powerful storms hit Europe and the Americas - Storm Malik killed at least 4

Grenfell Tower Fire

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 ...

Apartment tower twice as high as Grenfell planned in London - with one single staircase

Canadian Flag

Welcome to CTIF Canada!

Canada joins through the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, CAFC. Canada was voted in...

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 preventio...

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 ...

Smoke inhalation killed 19 people when door was left open in Bronx high rise fire

CTIF Holiday Card 2021

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 worldw...

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 betwee...

Devastating wildfire in Colorado, six feet of snow in California, Alaska heat record and ice storm

Screenshot of the radiological manual

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 r...

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 fir...

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 b...

Hundreds of thousands affected by extreme weather events around the globe in December

Hydrogen response training

HyResponder training package on the e-Platform

This is the official newsletter from the CTIF-supported hydrogen training project HyRes...

HyResponder training package on the e-Platform

CTIF Holiday Card 2021

December newsletter - German

December newsletter - German

CTIF Holiday Card 2021

December 2021 Newsletter - French

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, ac...

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 ...

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 ar...

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 co...

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 ...

CTIF renews Memorandum of Understanding with UITP

CTIF president Milan Dubravac (Left) CTIF Secretary Neza Strmole (middle) and CTIF General Secretary Roman Sykora (right)

2021 - A challenging year in review - by CTIF President Milan Dubravac

Dear colleagues: During 2020 and 2021, CTIF activities were strongly influenced by a wo...

2021 - A challenging year in review - by CTIF President Milan Dubravac

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 w...

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 t...

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. Accordi...

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 floo...

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 ...

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 t...

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, a...

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 ...

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 ...

CTIF performed hybrid Delegates Assembly with physical and virtual attendance in Marseille 2021

Buffet dinner invitation

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...

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 mi...

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 ...

CTIF starts networking meetings online with Associate Members

The front entrance to Park Chanot in Marseille

Delegates Assembly in Marseille - Detailed information about the week

CTIF France will arrange transport from the Marseille-Provence airport to the hotel. Pl...

Delegates Assembly in Marseille - 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 C...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 la...

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 y...

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 seve...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 inclu...

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 installa...

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 ...

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 ...

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 an...

Two seasonal storms struck USA and Mexico at the same time

IDEO President Vendelin Clique

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 ...

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 tor...

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...

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 suspicion...

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 g...

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 wildf...

Modern forestry practices may be partly to blame for North American wildfire crisis

Greek wildfire destroying a home during August 2021. Photo by Felton Davis, Flickr.

New wildfires starting in Greece - arson suspected

Three communities in the area were ordered evacuated. The fire department sent in firef...

New wildfires starting in Greece - arson suspected

Map of Turkey

Heavy death toll in Black Sea flash floods

Around 1,700 people have been evacuated, some from rooftops by helicopter. The flash fl...

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...

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...

An overview of devastating wildfires during the summer of 2021

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

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 ...

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 w...

Extreme weather in small localized areas could be our new global reality for years to come

Kinderdijk, Holland. Photo: Flickr

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...

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 we...

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 t...

200 dead and more are missing in central European rain storm - rescue divers have been called in to recover victims

Map of the Iraqi city of Nasiriyyah.

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...

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 outnum...

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...

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...

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 t...

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.

High rise 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...

High rise fire in Poplar East London had similar cladding as Grenfell Tower

CTIF Chair´s Meeting May 11 - 2021

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 s...

CTIF´s Commission & Work Group Chairs met for a three hour video conference

The Italian CBRN team in Beirut

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 se...

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...

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 happe...

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 ...

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 activ...

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 ...

Study on first responders and health care workers shows 80 % effectiveness after just one shot of Covid-19 vaccine

Seminar teaser movie screen shot

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 Wildf...

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...

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 communica...

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 ...

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: ...

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 ...

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 prac...

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 n...

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. T...

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 Co...

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 Octo...

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...

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 sta...

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 ha...

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 o...

Over 40 dead in earthquake in Indonesia

Interschutz New Dates June 2022

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...

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 ...

Seven dead in Norway landslide - more victims expected to be found by SAR teams

Aerial photo from a drone

CTIF and IEDO cooperate to create Best Practice Procedures for emergency drones

CTIF and the International Emergency Drone Organisation (IEDO) has signed a Memorandum ...

CTIF and IEDO cooperate to create Best Practice Procedures for emergency drones

2020

Virtual Tunnel Fire Work Group meeting in CTIF, December 17, 2020

The CTIF Tunnelfire Working group met virtually

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 assi...

Ex-employee admits fire tests for Grenfell styrofoam panels were fake

Gas fuel firefighting training in Greece. Photo: The Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters Association

News from Hellenic Volunteer Firefighters Association

Panagiotis Plexidas, 27, was battling a brush fire along with his colleagues of the Vol...

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 N...

Interesting case studies presented at the virtual Fire Investigations Meeting

New NFPA Guide for Structural Firefighting released

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...

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 20...

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 the Past President

For the first time in recent decades we have been hit by a world-wide pandemic, Corona ...

DA 2020: Activity Report of the Past President

Milan Dubravac (Slovenia) was elected president of CTIF on October 21, 2020

CTIF´s first ever Virtual Delegates Assembly elected a new President and three new Vice Presidents

The Head Office in Ljubljana chaired the meeting, while the previous President led his ...

CTIF´s first ever Virtual Delegates Assembly 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 ...

Finland first among Nordic countries to implement the new ISO 17840 standard for alternative propulsion vehicles

Screen shot from the HyResponse Survey

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 su...

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

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.

High rise 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 pl...

High rise 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

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 p...

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. Th...

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

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

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

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...

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 sta...

The CTIF Commission for Women in Fire & Rescue met with 32 participants from multiple time zones of the world

Forest fire fighters meeting in Iran

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 co...

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 incr...

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 t...

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

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 Offic...

New NFPA Resource to Help First Responders Manage Infection Control During COVID-19

An N95 particle mask. Photo: Pixabay

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 ...

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

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...

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 c...

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. ...

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...

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

Instructional videos for COVID-19 pandemic procedures from the Slovenian Fire Academy

A Slovenian EMS-worker undressing his hazmat PPE. Screenshot from an instructional video by the Slovenian Fire Academy.

COVID-19 Response Procedures

CTIF is collecting news links, Lessons Learned and operational procedures, relating to ...

COVID-19 Response Procedures

Covid-19 first responder database

Belgian firefighters start COVID-19 First Responders Database

This database aims to bundle all information that can help first responders protect the...

Belgian firefighters start COVID-19 First Responders Database

French ambulance Cocid-19 protocol

Example of Corona pandemic ambulance protocol in France : SDIS 86

Specific PPE, protocol to dress and undress. As little possible contact between rescuer...

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 Mexic...

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

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 t...

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

CBRNE Handbook front cover

First responders handbook: Hazardous materials CBRNE

This handbook for hazardous materials was produced by virtue of Nordic collaboration in...

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-shutdo...

New rescue procedures forced into place for pandemic stricken countries in lockdown

Photo: Technical Days

Technical Days 2020 cancelled due to Corona pandemic

On Monday morning, March 16, local time, it was decided that this year´s Technical Days...

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...

CTIF advices members to restrict travel and use internet based solutions for meetings

Photo: PHSphere.com

Firefighters in quarantine after being exposed to Corona virus

Firefighters in quarantine after being exposed to Corona virus

The entire CTIF History Commission and the Study Group as it stood in 2019.

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 whic...

The new chair of the CTIF History Commission opens up for more multilingual and international cooperation in his first address to members

Extrication training

Minutes from November´s Extrication & New Technology Meeting

The next Commission meeting will be in Poitiers, France, during the Technical days (13-...

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 ...

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” pr...

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

Three dead in explosion at a chemical factory in Spain

Ivana Kruijff-Korbayová

Meet Ivana Kruijff-Korbayová - CTIF´s expert on robot assisted response

Dr Kruijff-Korbayová investigates human-robot teamwork and develops technology for robo...

Meet Ivana Kruijff-Korbayová - CTIF´s expert on robot assisted response

Oil well. Photo: Pxhere.com

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 e...

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 awa...

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 pr...

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 re...

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 revie...

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 Ne...

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 starte...

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 -...

The Australian wildfire devastation in 2020 shows wildfires are becoming a global concern

2019

Firefighting and cancer

"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 decontamina...

"The evidence on firefighters´cancer is clear. What are senior management & WHS waiting for?"

Backdraft 2 Movie poster

Backdraft 2 - the sequel to the 1991 firefighting blockbuster - is now released

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

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

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. Warni...

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 batt...

New innovative technology promises a safer and more effective type of batteries

Image credits: Gústi Productions

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 th...

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 ...

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 a...

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 internatio...

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!

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...

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 meet...

CTIF Women in Fire & Rescue met in Barcelona

Funeral procession in Milan

Emotional funeral procession for three killed firefighters in Milan

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 w...

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 n...

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, ...

Prevention & Control: Using back fire to combat wildfire

Aspen tree line. Photo: Wikipedia

"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 c...

"Natural fuel breaks": Could aspen trees help solve the wildfire crisis?

Otsrava

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges Ostrava, day 2

Read more about the CTIF Yearly Seminars here. Stay tuned to CTIF.org for more complete...

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges Ostrava, day 2

Opening of the seminar

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 wit...

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 exhibi...

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 Clar...

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...

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 ...

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

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

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

Two were killed by World War II bomb

Generic Registration Desk

REGISTRATION EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 14th for the CTIF Seminar in Ostrava!

The NEW deadline for registration is Monday October 14th! For questions or support, pl...

REGISTRATION EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 14th for the CTIF Seminar in Ostrava!

The CTIF Executive Committee as of July 2019.

Meet the new CTIF Executive Committee from Delegates´Assembly in Martigny

Roman Sykora (Austria) has been elected as new General Secretary of the CTIF Executive ...

Meet the new CTIF Executive Committee from Delegates´Assembly in Martigny

Letterhead for the program newsletter for the Ostrava Seminar

Download the Program and read about the keynote speakers for the Ostrava CTIF Seminar here!

Register and read more about the CTIF Seminar "Fire, Rescue & New Challenges&q...

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

Severe rainstorms killed several civilians throughout Spain - airports and schools forced to close

Photo: Virginia Mayo

Explosion destroyed three homes; collapsed and trapped residents in Belgium

Explosion destroyed three homes; collapsed and trapped residents in Belgium

Map of the fire area on Gran Canaria

Monster wildfire threatened tourist areas and evacuated 9000 on Gran Canaria

Monster wildfire threatened tourist areas and evacuated 9000 on Gran Canaria

DA 2019 in Martigny

Reports from Delegates Assembly in Marseille 2021

Approved minutes from DA 2018 in Las Vegas, Annual Reports of the CTIF Commissions 2019...

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...

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

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

The military called in to fight 12 million hectares of forests burning in Siberia

Wildfires in the Arctic, July 2019.

Wildfires are spreading in the Arctic

Wildfires are spreading in the Arctic

CTIF youth games in Martigny, Switzerland, 2019. Photo by Björn Ulfsson / CTIF News

The Results of the Martigny 2019 Youth Games

The 22nd International Youth Fire Brigade Gathering ended Saturday with a wonderful clo...

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...

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 wa...

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

Videos from Delegates Assembly 2019

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

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

Hotel Vatel in Martigny

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 festiva...

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

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...

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 Mar...

Delegates Assembly and CTIF Games Week has started in Martigny

Map over Canada

46 injured from a carbon monoxide leak at a motel

46 injured from a carbon monoxide leak at a motel

Meeting at the French Firefighter Federation in Paris

Meeting at the French Firefighter Federation in Paris

Protection against toxic products: how to deal on operation site, how to deal in quarte...

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...

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

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, eithe...

Survey Examining Cancer and Injury Among Female Firefighters

CTIF Firefighter´s games

It is still possible to sign up to see the CTIF Games in Switzerland

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, Swi...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ve...

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 representati...

CTIF invited to celebrate 370 years of Russian Fire Service at the 12th ISSE conference

Firefighting drone

Fire, Rescue & New Challenges, Ostrava 2019

CTIF´s Executive Committee is excited to announce that Ostrava, Czech Republic is hosti...

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 o...

How safe are bio gas vehicles for firefighters? - New incident involving CNG bus

HazMat rail tanker car. Photo: Flickr

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

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

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