VIDEO: There is now more optimism that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic may be ending -- and as other nations lift certain Covid-19 restrictions, some public health experts question whether US counties and cities should consider easing their guidance on mask-wearing or social distancing, as well.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN Health

It was a somber day for Seattle firefighters as they said goodbye to one of their own. Firefighter Matt Runte passed away unexpectedly in December while on a run before his shift. On Saturday, a procession made its way down Mercer Street towards McCaw Hall as many paid their respects to Runte, a 19-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: My Northwest

Pierce is a six-month-old mini goldendoodle. He’s very much still in training, but pretty soon, he’ll have an important job within Spokane County Fire District 8. Chaplain Aaron McNally got Pierce from a breeder in Spangle who generously donated him to the fire department. McNally says during his chaplaincy, he’s done years of station visits, interacting with firefighters and responding to tragic scenes and emergencies.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

A Vesta (MN) Fire and Rescue apparatus was hit by a semi-truck Wednesday night while crews were responding to a crash on Highway 19.

The company was providing traffic control at the accident scene when the semi ran into its pickup at 6:30 p.m.

A firefighter was inside the pickup at the time of the collision, but luckily there were no major injuries. The incident is currently under investigation.

Officials say there were no injuries in the original crash to which the department was responding.

Firefighters from across Yakima County rushed to a home where a large porch fire was ignited by a heat lamp that was meant to warm up puppies who were outside in the cold. According to an alert from Yakima County Fire Protection District #5, fire crews were alerted to the blaze around 5:32 a.m. on Friday morning.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2022 10:40:22 PM - SOURCE: YakTriNews