One of the biggest challenges facing firefighters across Alaska in the 2019 fire season was smoke. The thick smoke that blanketed much of Alaska made firefighting efforts difficult. Much of firefighting is conducted from the air. Tankers and helicopters drop water and retardant on fires. Fire crews use aircraft to map the blazes, and supplies are dropped in from the air.
- PUB DATE: 8/2/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Webcenter11 Fairbanks

VIDEO: A Minquas fireman critically injured last March was one of several firefighters who were not wearing proper equipment while battling a Mill Creek house fire, according to a report obtained by The News Journal. An investigation into a series of errors in battling the blaze also found that two firefighters were unfamiliar with equipment used to fight the fire, and firefighters disregarded orders to exit the burning house.
- PUB DATE: 8/1/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The News Journal - Metered Site

VIDEO: Authorities say a massive explosion has killed at least one person in Lincoln County early Thursday morning. The Lincoln County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as Lisa Denise Derringer, 58, of Stanford. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says the explosion happened in the are of Bowens Loop Road in the Moreland community near Junction City and Hustonville.
- PUB DATE: 8/1/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WKYT-TV CBS/CW 27 Lexington

Lorain firefighters hope a fire drill will convince city leaders to add to staff on duty every day in the city. The Lorain Professional Firefighters Local 267 is planning a demonstration with Lorain’s elected officials to make their case for a 16-person crew. The Lorain Fire Department currently has 15 firefighters on daily duty, said union President Jon Stephanchick.
- PUB DATE: 8/1/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Morning Journal - Metered Site

Firefighters and emergency medical responders in New York State have gotten the green light to remove animals from unattended cars if the animals are in danger. Governor Cuomo signed legislation that expanded the number of responders legally allowed to remove the animals. The legislation was designed to get animals in danger out quickly, especially in areas where police or animal control availability is limited.
- PUB DATE: 8/1/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WKBW-TV ABC 7 Buffalo