As waves of wildfire smoke travel over vineyards, compounds can impact the grapes and vines. In some cases, wildfire smoke can turn the taste of wine into one of ash. Washington State University researchers are working to understand exactly how that process works and what can be done to limit or prevent it.
- PUB DATE: 11/2/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2 Spokane

The Yakima County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) and fire crews responded to the 2500 block of Riggs Rd in Wapato on the night of November, 1, for a vehicle fire. After fire crews put the fire out Deputies discovered a body in the car. The burned body has been turned over to the Coroner's Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and identity.
- PUB DATE: 11/2/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KNDU-TV NBC 25 Richland

Grant County’s fire marshal has released the cause of the blaze that killed a 72-year-old Patricia Mahaffey over the weekend in Moses Lake. Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski says the blaze was sparked by a cigarette that ignited Mahaffey’s medical oxygen supply. It’s believed that Mahaffey was smoking in her bedroom and the oxygen in the tube that ran from her bedroom to an oxygen condenser in the living room caught fire.
- PUB DATE: 11/1/2022 3:58:00 PM - SOURCE: iFiber One News Radio

The Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $225,450 recently to replace its 1973 brush truck.

Middlefield was one of only 89 fire departments nationwide that was awarded funds for vehicle acquisition, out of a total 18,000 applicants for the 2021 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

The grant assists fire departments nationwide in numerous operational aspects.

The fire company committee is actively working on specifications for this vehicle with hopes of delivery next year to provide the volunteer organization with a safe apparatus that has increased capabilities.

Hindman firefighters, elected officials and community members gathered at Wells Mountain Road Monday for the groundbreaking ceremony of Hindman Volunteer Fire Department Station 2.

The announcement comes three months following historic flooding that damaged the Hindman Volunteer Fire Department.

The station will serve residents and businesses of KY Hwy 80. With the construction of the second station, people living five miles of the station and within 500 feet of a fire hydrant will be able to receive the lowest ISO rating that the department has, saving homeowners valuable funds on insurance rates.

The station will be built in two phases. The first phase will focus on apparatus bays so trucks can be placed into service as quickly as possible. The second phase will include offices, additional storage, and a training room.

Building a second fire station to provide better coverage has been a long term goal of the department.