Latest news with #InternationalAssociationofFireFighters
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Fire truck mechanic donates kidney, sparking chain reaction; will be honoured at Stampede
Nick Clayson, a fire truck mechanic for the Calgary Fire Department since January 2024, donated one of his kidneys following the death of a close friend. Nick Clayson, a fire truck mechanic for the Calgary Fire Department since January 2024, donated one of his kidneys following the death of a close friend. Clayson says he received an email in April last year from the International Association of Fire Fighters looking for kidney donors in partnership with Kidneys for Communities. He says his friend Arne died of kidney failure, and that sparked him to get tested, hoping to be a match for someone and hopefully save their life. 'I'd always regretted not doing something about that, like being tested to see whether I could have been a match,' said Clayson. 'So, I promised myself that if the call ever came, I would respond to that call.' Clayson was deemed a viable match just days later. Clayson had surgery in December 2024, and his kidney was matched with a teacher in San Diego who needed a rare kidney to match. Nick Clayson, a fire truck mechanic for the Calgary Fire Department since January 2024, donated one of his kidneys following the death of a close friend. Nick Clayson, a fire truck mechanic for the Calgary Fire Department since January 2024, donated one of his kidneys following the death of a close friend. That set off a chain reaction of donations. 'That transplant resulted in her donor donating to another individual who's a veteran in California, and that veteran was also difficult to match,' said Kidneys for Communities CEO Atul Agnihotri. 'Ultimately, this series of transplants led to the transplant of a first responder, a community member in New York. This individual has a very interesting profile. He's a veteran. He was a first responder at the Twin Towers when 9/11 happened.' Clayson said he initially wanted his kidney to go to a first responder, and when he found out his donation led to a trickledown effect, he eventually got that wish. 'I don't think you can really put it into words. All I know is that it's been the most rewarding experience in my life,' said Clayson. 'It would have taken that teacher hundreds and hundreds of donors to have found a match, which is just not a practical thing,' said Agnihotri. 'She may have stayed without a transplant in her life. So, Nick's kidney was God's gift to her.' Nick Clayson, a fire truck mechanic for the Calgary Fire Department since January 2024, donated one of his kidneys following the death of a close friend. Nick Clayson, a fire truck mechanic for the Calgary Fire Department since January 2024, donated one of his kidneys following the death of a close friend. Clayson's recovery was about 10 weeks before he returned to work. 'I was out to save one person, and it was just icing on the cake,' said Clayson, when finding out he helped get two others a kidney. Kidneys for Communities says about 100,000 people in Canada and the U.S. are currently on a waitlist for a kidney donation. They generally spend between five and seven years seeking out a donation, but many die on dialysis before a transplant can take place. 'We know that one out of every three patients who has a donor does not match their donor, meaning that they have a willing donor, but they will die in absence of finding a kidney for themselves,' said Agnihotri. Clayson will be honoured during the Calgary Stampede's Homegrown Heroes Night on July 7. 'All I can see in this thing happening at the ceremony is that it'll bring about more awareness for the need that is out there,' said Clayson. 'Because even if it resonates in the heart of even several people to donate, it'll be worth it.' Clayson says he has one message for anyone thinking of donating. 'We have to overcome our fear. There's a lot of fear attached to becoming a donor, whether it be a liver donor or a kidney donor, because we're afraid for our own health,' he said. 'But I can honestly say my health has not been affected in any way.'
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Two Firefighters Were Executed, and a Third Wounded, In Idaho Sniper Attack
Two Firefighters Were Executed, and a Third Wounded, In Idaho Sniper Attack originally appeared on L.A. Mag. At least two firefighters were fatally shot and at least one was critically injured while responding to what appears to be an intentionally set brush fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. At least one active shooter continues to fire at law enforcement with high-powered rifles, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, who said civilians were trying to get off Canfield Mountain, where the brush fire broke out, drawing the victims to the scene. 'We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak,' Norris said, adding that the number of victims hit by gunfire remained unclear. He did have a message for the swarms of law enforcement who raced to the scene: "As soon as someone gets a clear shot, I encourage them to take it and neutralize the threat. We will neutralize this threat." The chaotic scene unfolded Sunday afternoon when firefighters responded to a call for a brush fire around 1:30 p.m. local time, and found themselves under attack almost immediately. The desperation as first responders took what Norris called "rapid fire" could be heard as firefighters radioed for help, a chilling broadcast that was posted by Broadcastify. "Two battalion chiefs down, two officers injured,' a first responder said over the radio, according to the recording. 'I have no idea where the shooters [are] at or where they're going, in which direction. I would recommend that our units, all of our firing units, escape further down the pavement towards town, maybe a half a mile or so to a safe staging area,' a voice on the first responder radio have not confirmed the total number of people injured or whether they've been able to evacuate everyone from the area.'We're going to need multiple ambulances for ALS care," the speaker continued. "As soon as we can get law enforcement in here to get these people out, I recommend we get no less than five, five ambulances staged at the bottom. I don't care where we get them from."International Association of Fire Fighters President Ed Kelly called the ambush a "heinous act of violence." Officers reported that shots were coming from multiple directions, suggesting the possibility of multiple attackers, Norris said. He added it appeared that 'high-powered rifles' were being used by attackers who appeared to be trained and were blending into the mountain's bushy terrain. This is a developing story. Follow for updates and developments. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Sky News AU
30-06-2025
- Sky News AU
Calculated terror: Authorities find man dead with firearm in Idaho after firefighters ambushed in deadly incident
A SWAT team has located a deceased man and a nearby firearm hours after a sniper shot and killed two firefighters and injured another while they were battling a wildfire in Idaho, authorities confirmed late Sunday. The Kootenai County Sheriff's office said the deceased male was located on Canfield Mountain. A shelter in place was lifted, but an active wildfire remained, the sheriff's office said. Authorities are expected to provide more information at a 12:30 a.m. ET press conference. The update came hours after the International Association of Fire Fighters confirmed that the two victims who were killed were firefighters. "While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence. Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery," the association said. "Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers." FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency is on scene and that it is still very active and dangerous. "FBI technical teams and tactical assets are currently on the scene providing support. It remains an active, and very dangerous scene," Bongino said. During a news conference, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said that at least two people were killed, possibly firefighters. Norris added that they are still "actively taking sniper fire" as he spoke. "We now have two deaths. We have an unknown amount of casualties," Norris said. "We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain. We have we might have civilians that are stuck or in shock on that mountain. So this is a very, very fresh situation." "We don't know who [the] suspect or suspects are, and we don't know how many suspects there may be," Norris said. A spokesperson for the Northern Lakes Fire Protection confirmed the situation to Fox News Digital, saying "the active shooter situation and very active wildfire scene were related." The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office issued an alert earlier Sunday afternoon stating: "Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries have been reported, though the severity remains unknown. Please avoid the area." Norris said that they are developing a plan to move people out of the mountains as soon as they get the fire under control. Officials confirmed that the firefighters were responding to a brush fire near East Nettleton Gulch Road when the shooting started. Norris said the suspect(s) used what appeared to be "modern-day, high-powered, sporting rifles." "We're taking rapid fire," Norris said. Due to the danger, fire crews had to retreat, and the brush fire continues to pose a threat. Authorities are urging residents in the vicinity to stay vigilant and exercise caution as the situation develops. "I would encourage all of you to tell people to stay away from the area, do not come to the area. Stay away from the area, Norris urged. "This is going to be if these, individuals are not neutralized quickly, this is going to be a likely a multi-day operation." Norris added that he is "hoping that, somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize" the threat because it did not seem like the suspect(s) are going to surrender anytime soon. "So as soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot and neutralize the threat," Norris said. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared a statement and said more support was heading to Idaho. "Thank you to our incredible @FBI agents on the ground assisting local authorities in Idaho. We are praying for all," Bondi wrote. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said their department is actively monitoring the situation and that "justice will be served." Idaho Governor Brad Little reacted to the incident in a post on X. "Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken," Little wrote. "As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs." Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador also reacted to the situation, stating that this should never happen. "Deeply saddened by reports that firefighters were shot while bravely responding to a fire in North Idaho. These heroes put their lives on the line for us every day; they should never be targets," Labrador said. "Please keep our first responders and their families in your prayers." Originally published as Calculated terror: Authorities find man dead with firearm in Idaho after firefighters ambushed in deadly incident
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Two dead, likely firefighters, after 'ambush-style' shooting east of Coeur d'Alene
Jun. 29—At least two people are dead after someone shot at firefighters in an "ambush-style" attack in Kootenai County Sunday afternoon, officials said. "Gut-wrenching news coming from Coeur d'Alene," Rep. Mike Simpson posted on X. "As the situation develops, our thoughts and prayers are with the brave firefighters and all first responders on the scene." Fire crews from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department were responding to a small wildland fire around 1:20 p.m. on Canfield Mountain, east of Coeur d'Alene. Around 2 p.m., a suspect with "modern-day sporting" weapons began shooting at them, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said during a press conference Sunday. Pat Riley, Northern Lakes fire chief, said it quickly turned into an "ambush-style active shooter," and one of his personnel had to be pulled out and taken to the nearest fire station. The two people confirmed killed in the ambush were likely firefighters, Norris said. Other casualties were reported, but Norris said it's unclear how many. It's also unclear if there is one suspect or multiple, he said. When firefighters reported the shots, they said they felt them coming from different directions. Ricky Walsh, vice president of the International Assocation of Fire Fighters District 7, posted on Instagram Sunday evening that "members of our fire service family have been involved in an active and ongoing incident." The post said no additional details would be released "during this incredibly difficult time." Civilians and hikers are still stuck on Canfield Mountain waiting to be evacuated "or in shock," Norris said. "This is going to be, likely, a multi-day operation." At the 4:30 p.m. news conference, Norris said deputies were "actively taking sniper fire as we speak" and expressed hope that the shooter or shooters would be "neutralized." "They are not, at this point in time, showing any evidence of wanting to surrender," he said. "We will neutralize this threat." A "heartbroken" Idaho Gov. Brad Little also posted on Facebook about the "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters." "Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters," the statement reads. "I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more." A Life Flight Network helicopter is waiting in the area, where members of the public are gathered along 15th Street to watch. Around 5:20 p.m., federal law enforcement helicopters from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection flew into the command post near Canfield Mountain at Cherry Hill Dog Park. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said Spokane County is sending air resources and support for the "active shooting incident." Norris said federal law enforcement was also assisting. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office has issued an alert to residents to avoid the area, which law enforcement cordoned off. A shelter in place order is issued for the surrounding areas of Coeur d'Alene. "Every day, firefighters and EMS personnel put themselves in harm's way for the communities they serve. Moments like this are a painful reminder of the risks they face in the line of duty and the strength of the fire service family when tragedy strikes," the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters posted on Instagram. This story is developing and will be updated.
Boston Globe
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Boston Globe
Fire on ship carrying EVs forces evacuation after blaze reignites
Advertisement It's another case of EVs morphing into infernos, a chronic safety and public relations headache for the fast-growing industry. Although the initial cause is not yet known, fire safety experts said the presence of so many vehicle batteries on board would almost certainly worsen the situation beyond what the cargo ship's fire suppression systems could reasonably handle. The incident 'does sound consistent with a failure in electric vehicles, especially the deployment of the CO2 system and the reignition,' said Sean DeCrane, a director with the International Association of Fire Fighters. EV fires are notoriously hard to put out, resisting the effects of traditional foam-based fire extinguishers and small amounts of water. This is because battery fires spread through the excessive accumulation of heat from one battery cell to another, and from one battery to the next, said Rich Meier of Florida-based Meier Fire Investigation. Advertisement Permanently extinguishing this sort of fire, according to experts, requires lowering the heat; a carbon dioxide-based system like the one used on the Morning Midas would have starved the fire of oxygen and prevented it from spreading to other materials, but it wouldn't have stopped the batteries from overheating. There is also the potential for battery fires to spread from one EV to another in a chain reaction, Meier said. 'The prevailing wisdom is that it takes 10,000 gallons of water to put out a single lithium-ion EV fire. … When you multiply that by the number of vehicles on a ship, you may sink the ship before you put the fire out,' Meier said. Dousing the ship with seawater also presents problems, experts have said, because salt water is known to have corrosive effects, raising the risk of a short-circuits elsewhere on the ship. The company said all 22 crew members are safe and accounted for, with no reports of injuries. A tugboat has been deployed to salvage the ship. 'Our priorities are to ensure the continued safety of the crew and protect the marine environment,' Zodiac Maritime said in its statement. The Morning Midas fire is at least the third ship fire in recent years involving a vehicle carrier. In 2022, a cargo ship had to be abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean, with all crew members safely evacuating as luxury cars burned onboard. In a 2023 fire, one person was killed and six injured on a ship carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles. Advertisement
