The weather has cooled off, the smoke is gone, and many people have forgotten about the White River and Bolt Creek Fires in the Cascades west of the Wenatchee Valley. Even though activity on the blazes has greatly diminished, both are still burning and continue causing several concerns. Ryan Rodruck with the Department of Natural Resources says burn scars left by the Bolt Creek Fire have already prompted a hazard for travelers on U.
- PUB DATE: 11/2/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KPQ-AM 560 Wenatchee

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.