A fire at the Port Townsend Paper Company left production crippled Saturday as a conveyer that spanned six stories was engulfed in flames. Black smoke rising from the paper mill was reported at 2:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22. “That right away told us there might be a fire,” Black said. Normally, he explained, the plumes are a light gray and caused by steam.
- PUB DATE: 1/26/2022 1:01:51 PM - SOURCE: Port Townsend Leader

North Palm Beach (FL) Fire Rescue staff will operate out of a temporary station once renovation work at the water-damaged North Fire Station in Palm Beach gets underway, reports palmbeachdailynews.com.

Town council recently approved the purchase of two trailers and a canopy that will serve as the temporary facility on the estimated $5.5 million project, the report says. The station will be ready for occupancy in June.

Last summer’s inspection revealed water damage and mold inside the 95-year-old station, the report says, which expedited the renovation process.

The three-story building, landmarked in 1988, houses 11 personnel who will move to the temporary station to be built by American Modular Systems, which has also built modular units for the City of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue, according to the report.

Worth $534,449, the contract includes the construction of a dormitory and bunker trailers as well as general temporary site modifications, officials say. The dorm trailer can house up to six firefighters, while the bunker will house fire gear.

The units will be placed at Wells Road, and staff will occupy the trailers for about 18 months during construction.

Jacksonville (NC) Fire and Emergency Services Tuesday held a push-in ceremony for its newest fire engine at Station 3.

“New Fire Engine 3 is state of the art and has newer technology that allows for cleaner air to flow through the cab for firefighters and the latest in life-saving equipment.

“Jacksonville firefighters also added custom elements like handles to securely maneuver around the outside of the truck and strategic placement of gear and life-saving equipment for easier access. The new engine was custom-built by Pierce Manufacturing.

“Compared to the first City of Jacksonville fire engine from 1938, technology has improved greatly and the price has increased exponentially – with Old Unit 1 purchased at $20,000.

“The new Fire Engine 3 was custom-built and purchased for $650,000.

“‘It’s come a long way,’ Fire Chief Tee Tallman said.

“Once the new truck was sparkling clean, Jacksonville Fire & Emergency Services staff came together to push Engine 3 into its stall at Station 3.

“‘The changes you’ve seen in fire safety are truly amazing, but at the end of the day your job is still the same, protecting life and property,’ City Manager Richard Woodruff said.”

A stranded hiker with ankle injuries had to be rescued Tuesday evening near Enumclaw. The Enumclaw Fire Department said the hiker was on the Cal Magnusson Trail when it was called out to help. Firefighters found the hiker with ankle injuries and was found about 1/3 of a mile from the trailhead. Crews say the time of night, mixed with the slick trail conditions, put them in a situation where they called a Zone 3 Rescue Response.
- PUB DATE: 1/26/2022 7:59:47 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

On Monday afternoon, the Olean (NY) Fire Department saw its Engine 40 damaged in an accident en route to a call.

“[Monday at] 1:59 p.m. Engine 40 and Ambulance 249 were dispatched to an Advanced Life Support medical call of an individual having chest pains and breathing difficulty at a West State Street location,” a Facebook post reads.

“During Engine 40’s response a vehicle pulled out in front of the fire engine at West State Street and North 20th Streets. Engine 40’s operator took evasive action to avoid hitting the vehicle on the driver’s side.

“Engine 40’s operator directed the vehicle towards Francis Square in which Engine 40 struck the concrete sign causing significant damage to the truck. Ambulance 249 continued on to take care of the patient at the West State Street location and FM-1 from Code Enforcement was dispatched to assist them on that call. The Officer of Engine 40 requested an ambulance and Supervisor to the scene.

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“The operator and officer of Engine 40 were able to self-extricate from the fire truck. Both firefighters were evaluated and treated at the scene but did not seek transportation to the hospital. They are back on their respective shifts as of Tuesday morning