Latest news with #publicSafety
CBC
a day ago
- General
- CBC
Lithium ion battery or charger causes North End house fire
A house fire in Winnipeg's North End that forced people to flee from the home Thursday night has officials warning the public of possible hazards associated with plug-in lithium ion batteries and chargers. Fire crews arrived at a home on Magnus Avenue, between Salter and Andrews streets, just after 10 p.m. to find smoke billowing from a 1½-storey home. Everyone inside safely escaped prior to their arrival, a news release from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said Friday. The initial findings suggest the fire was accidentally caused by a lithium-ion battery or charger that failed. The city is reminding the public of the potential fire risks associated with plugging in lithium ion batteries. The city recommends: Following manufacturer instructions. Only using cables and device batteries that come with items at point of purchase. Unplugging items when they're done charging. Charging items on hard surfaces, like tables and countertops. Avoiding charging on beds, couches, under pillows or on soft surfaces. Unplug if you ever notice an item giving off too much heat, making strange noises, leaking, changing colour or showing signs of corrosion, the city said.
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
New Hamilton police initiative takes aim at open drug use in public spaces
Hamilton police say that a new initiative targeting open drug use in public spaces has led to hundreds of seizures and the referral of dozens of other people to treatment programs since it began in January. In a news release, Hamilton police said that the initiative 'prioritizes health-focused intervention over criminal enforcement for individuals experiencing substance use disorder.' As part of the new approach, police say that officers are instructed to 'support individuals through education, voluntary treatment referrals, and de-escalation' and only resort to criminal enforcement 'when necessary.' Police say that aggravating factors that could lead to criminal charges include 'threats to public safety, the presence of children, or association with other drug offences.' 'Open drug use on our streets is unacceptable and erodes public safety,' Supt. Dave Hennick said in a news release. 'While enforcing the law, we must also ensure that those struggling with addiction have a real opportunity to access support. This is about protecting our community while offering a path forward for those ready to seek help.' Hamilton police have partnered with St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and the RAAM (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine) clinic as part of the initiative. Police say that referrals made by officers are 'prioritized' allowing individuals to quickly receive help. However, police note that there will be no criminal consequences for refusing treatment. Since the program launched, police say that officers have made 287 arrests for simple possession, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of illicit drugs. Police say that an additional 14 people have been charged with drug trafficking-related offences. Numerous weapons have also been seized. Police say that 'most significantly' 65 people have been referred to treatment programs. 'We need to find a balance between public safety and compassion for those addicted to drugs,' Hennick said. The initiative comes on the heels of several high-profile instances of drug trafficking in Hamilton public spaces last year, including the dismantling of what police said amounted to a 'open air drug market' in a downtown laneway and another trafficking operation on a public trail that police said was known as 'the Shack.'
CNN
a day ago
- CNN
Suspect lights fire on packed Seoul subway
CCTV footage released by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office captures the moment a man lit a fire on a busy subway in the South Korean capital last month. The footage, from May 31, shows passengers running away after the suspect doused the floor of the train carriage with flammable liquid before setting it alight. Reuters reports that according to the prosecutors' office, six people were injured. The prosecutor's office says it charged the 67-year-old man with attempted murder and arson.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Warning after battery fire damages bin lorry in Rufford
Fire crews have warned people to dispose of rechargeable batteries carefully after a fire badly damaged a bin lorry in alarm was raised at about 11:30 BST on Tuesday when smoke was seen coming from the vehicle as it passed through from Edwinstowe and Warsop, with additional support from Newark and Blidworth, responded, but the lorry suffered severe prompted station manager Charlotte Weatherall-Smith to warn that putting lithium-ion batteries in domestic waste bins posed "a real danger to the public". There are no reports of any injuries to the bin lorry Weatherall-Smith said: "Incidents like this highlight the serious risks associated with disposing of lithium-ion batteries."These batteries, which can be found in smartphones, laptops, vapes and e-scooters, can ignite when damaged, posing a real danger to the public."We urge people to check with their local council or recycling centre for safe battery disposable options. "By disposing of batteries responsibly, we can help prevent future incidents from happening."
CTV News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms anticipated for Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, warning of potential heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The weather agency said we could see 40 to 60 millimetres of rainfall, continuing through the evening. It warns of the possibility of water pooling and flash floods in the event of heavy downpours. You are reminded to stay inside during storms, especially when hail, wind, and lightning are present. Here's the rest of your weather forecast: Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms. High 30 C, humidex 40 C. Thursday night: Partly cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms. Low 20 C. Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. 30 per cent chance of showers, changing to 70 per cent late in the afternoon. A risk of thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon. High 31 C, humidex 43 C. Friday night: Cloudy periods with a 60 per cent chance of showers. Low 21 C. Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 28 C.
