This episode of Moving Water covers the nuts and bolts of optimizing fill and dump site efficiency.

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A lightning strike-induced fire in Okanogan County has grown to 62,872 acres with no containment as of Sunday night, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The Kaiser Canyon fire broke out around 6 a.m. Thursday a mile from Nespelem, Washington, on the Colville Reservation, after a lightning strike. It continued to grow due to flashy fuels and strong wind gusts, a news release from Northeast Washington Interagency Management Team 3 said.

Around 500 people deployed on the fire as of Sunday. First responders worked Saturday to protect structures, manage heat pockets, lay dozer lines and build containment lines. Sunday crews will focus on life, property and firefighter safety. Buffalo Lake Road, Rebecca Lake, Belvedere, Nespelem and the Columbia River Campground are under Level 3 “go now” evacuations.

More than 1,000 people have been displaced and 800 structures threatened, according to previous reporting from The Spokesman-Review. The Seattle Times reported Sunday that the town of Nespelem “is intact but has bee n surrounded by flames less than 2 miles away” and that while no injuries were reported Saturday, at least 10 structures were destroyed.

The Spokesman-Review – Metered Site

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Firefighters were called to an apartment in St. Louis Park Friday afternoon, where a massive blaze was burning at the top of the building. The city of St. Louis Park said the fire was reported at 4:47 p.m. at Helix Apartments, located in the 7500 block of Highway 7.

Upon arrival, fire crews found a fire that appeared to have started on the third-floor balcony of the building, though the city says this has not yet been confirmed.

St. Louis Park Fire said the fire was under control as of 8:30 p.m., with some crews remaining on scene to extinguish hot spots and conduct an overhaul to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.

Firefighters from approximately 20 fire departments were called to the apartment to help contain and extinguish the three-alarm fire.

One person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and two firefighters were treated on scene for heat-related injuries. Approximately 90 apartment units were affected by the fire.

KSTP-TV ABC 5 St. Paul

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VIDEO: Sometimes it’s a simple act of generosity that has the power to make someone feel appreciated. And one Albuquerque man is using his paintbrush to give back to the first responders who once came to his aide.

Walking into 77-year-old Joseph LaForte’s home you would think you walked into a gallery, as colorful paintings line the walls. LaForte has been an artist most of his life and since retiring as a craftsman seven years ago, Laforte’s studio has been the birth place of more and more pieces.

“We’re here in New Mexico, it’s a graveyard, right? It’s got hot air balloons,” said LaForte, pointing to one of his paintings. After a recent medical scare for LaForte, and an emergency involving his 86-year-old wife, his inspirations shifted towards the first responders who answered the call.

“Recently my wife had fallen and broken her hip and they came right away and they were wonderful,” said LaForte. “And as far as the inspiration, I just felt like, wow, these people do a really beautiful thing.”

So, LaForte created this piece to show his appreciation and gifted it to Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s, Station 12.

KRQE-TV CBS/FOX 13 Albuquerque

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PHOTOS: Firefighters are investigating how a factory exploded into flames early Sunday morning in Weirsdale.

Marion County Fire Rescue responded early this morning to a reported commercial structure fire in the 16600 block of S. Highway 25 after multiple 911 callers reported a large factory building on fire.

Crews were dispatched at 4:02 a.m., and Engine 27 arrived on scene three minutes later to find a 25,000-square-foot, two-story commercial building with about 50% of the structure involved and flames showing through the roof.

Firefighters immediately began an offensive attack while additional resources were requested, escalating the incident to a third alarm. As conditions worsened, crews encountered a structural collapse, downed power lines and a violently behaving fire.

Priorities shifted to protecting nearby homes, adjacent commercial properties, and surrounding wooded areas, firefighters say.

According to MCFR, the fire grew so large that backup units were brought in from Silver Springs, Spruce Creek, Friendship, Rolling Green and The Villages.

The fire was brought under control at 5:04 a.m, an hour after the first alarm. Crews remained on scene afterward to conduct an overhaul and extinguish hot spots.

WESH-TV NBC 2 Orlando

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