October 12th marks the start of what is still known as the worst natural disaster to ever hit Minnesota. The Minnesota Historical Society says more than 450 people died in the Cloquet, Duluth and Moose Lake fires. More than 1,500 square miles were scorched and towns and villages burned flat. The whole event lasted less than 15 hours from beginning to end.
- PUB DATE: 10/12/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WJON-FM 95.3 St. Cloud

Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue was surprised to get a call from 911 dispatch on Saturday, sending them to St. Michael Medical Center, because the call wasn’t for a fire. “The charged nurse from inside the emergency room called 911,” said Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Chief Jay Christian. “The charging nurse said twice, 'we’re drowning,' conveying that they only had five nurses on duty and 45 patients in their waiting room, and she was asking for help from local firefighters to come work inside of the ER to help relieve some of that pressure.
- PUB DATE: 10/12/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV 5 NBC Seattle

The Washington Department of Natural Resources said the Nakia Creek Fire was human-caused, but officials are continuing to investigate what sparked the fire, which grew to 250 acres Tuesday near Larch Mountain. The fire — burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest — was 10 percent contained, and 97 firefighters were battling the blaze, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
- PUB DATE: 10/12/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Columbian - Metered Site

The Walla Walla Fire Department is getting $27,000 worth of lifesaving equipment thanks to a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The WWFD will unveil its new equipment, a Holmatro Cutter, Spreader and Accessory Kit, on Thursday, October, 13. The new tool will reduce the time it takes for first responders to remove victims from traffic accidents.
- PUB DATE: 10/12/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

The City of Seattle will end its COVID-19 emergency proclamation at the end of October. Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a statement Tuesday that Seattle will lift its remaining COVID emergency order to align with Gov. Jay Inslee’s decision to end the statewide state of emergency on Oct. 31. Harrell said while the impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt, it is thanks to Seattle’s strong response including its high vaccination rate and strong health care system that the city can continue moving toward recovery and revitalization.
- PUB DATE: 10/12/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle