A group of retired Black Seattle firefighters say they had plans to create a museum to honor first responders in the central district. They say it came as quite the surprise when the building they were counting on went up for sale. Clarence Williams, the president of the Northwest Association of Retired Black Firefighters Association, says the four-bedroom home in question was purchased by the Seattle Black Firefighters Association in the early 70s and plans called for it to become a museum.
- PUB DATE: 2/11/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

When a resident of the Heatherstone Apartments called 9-1-1 to report an aroma of smoke throughout their complex, they prevented what could’ve been a disastrous incident for them and their neighbors. According to a release issued by Kennewick Fire Chief Chad Michael, fire crews were dispatched to the apartments on the 1100-block of W 10th Ave around 7:40 a.
- PUB DATE: 2/11/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: YaTriNews.com

Around 6:12 this morning a three vehicle collision occurred on State Route 240 near milepost 26 resulting in the death of a Yakima man. 56-year-old Benedict Biegler was the passenger in a truck travelling east. The truck crossed the centerline and collided with two cars. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
- PUB DATE: 2/11/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS/CW+ 29 Yakima

The Spokane City Council will decide Monday whether a levy to fund emergency medical services will go to the ballot in a special election on April 26. The levy is intended to replace an existing one that funds the Spokane Fire Department and expires at the end of the year. If approved, the cost to property owners will be 50 cents for every $1,000 of assessed valuation.
- PUB DATE: 2/11/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KPVI-TV NBC 6 Pocatello

San Juan (TX) city council recently voted to proceed with the schematic design of a new $2.2 million fire station, reports virtualbx.com.

The new station, which will reside at the intersection of 7th Street and Nebraska, is designed by ERO Architects, and it will feature three areas connected by hallways, the report says. The first will comprise a lobby, reception area, restroom, conference room, and administrative offices.

The second hallway will boast a kitchen, dining, day room, work center, sleeping quarters, captain’s quarters, men and women’s showers and restrooms, and a laundry room. A third, smaller area will include an IT room, electrical and mechanical room, and janitorial area, according to the report.

The four-bay building will be approximately 11,766 square feet.

ERO noted that it’s very difficult to estimate construction costs in the current economic climate. The cost estimate they gave 4Q21 was $2,261,617, but they now say that contingencies should be in place, the report says.

The project is scheduled to bid for contractors around the beginning 4Q22 and should commence around November 1, according to the report. The city hopes to move in by the end of the year in 2023.