Clallam County firefighters in the Sequim area went into General Alarm twice on Wednesday, a sign that all available staffed units were tied up at the same time. The Clallam County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2933 said General Alarm situations are among the most stressful moments for crews because they can limit how quickly firefighters and medics can respond to new emergencies.

According to the union, the department typically has four staffed response units. When four calls come in at about the same time, all of those units are busy. The union said that happened twice on March 18. The union said running out of units triggers a “General Alarm,” sending a notice to responders across the district. Volunteers may head to nearby stations to staff a reserve ambulance or fire engine, and off-duty staff may be able to come in on overtime to help cover gaps.

The union said that extra help is not always guaranteed because availability depends on several factors, including whether people are free and able to respond. In a Jan. 28 Facebook post, the union described the same situation as “Level 0,” which it said means there are more simultaneous 911 calls than there are personnel available to respond.

The union said mutual aid from neighboring departments is an option, but response times can be much longer. It gave one example, saying that if all Fire District 3 units are already on calls and a CPR emergency comes in, an advanced life support medic unit from District 2 in Port Angeles could be about 20 minutes away, if that unit is available. The union said time is critical in many emergencies, including cardiac arrests, fires and strokes, and said those delays can have serious consequences.

The union said possible solutions include adding more staffing, units and stations, finding new ways to increase department budgets, building a stronger volunteer team, improving public education on when to call 911, expanding EMS prevention programs, supporting firefighter health and wellness, and advocating for annual firefighter health screenings and testing.

KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

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VIDEO: The man suspected of stealing an Everett fire engine before driving off and causing damage throughout the city was arrested after being identified through DNA evidence. Detectives have referred the following charges against the 36-year-old to prosecutors: motor vehicle theft, 12 counts of hit and run of an unattended vehicle and six counts of hit and run of unattended property. He has not been formally charged.

“Stealing a fire engine is not only unlawful – it puts our community and our first responders at risk,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “I’m grateful to our Everett Police Department and partner agencies for their determined work identifying the suspect in this serious incident.” On July 18, 2025, a fire engine was stolen from the 2900 block of Hoyt Avenue while crews were on scene of a medical emergency. The person who stole the vehicle drove it at high speeds through north Everett, creating multiple crime scenes, according to police.

The suspect had the accelerator pressed “100% for most of the trip,” according to a statement of probable cause. The stolen fire truck carved a four-mile path of destruction through the north end of the city, striking parked cars, mailboxes, trees and other property. “The data from the fire truck showed the suspect never came to a complete stop from the time the truck was stolen until it was left at the final collision scene,” the statement reads.

The fire truck was found in the 1000 block of East Marine View Drive. A witness told police they saw a person running away from the scene. When police tried to get further information from the witness they never heard back. DNA swabs of the steering wheel were collected from the truck as the investigation continued. In December of 2025, a possible suspect was identified from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

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Investigators suspect arson in a fire at Santa Cruz County (CA) Fire Station 34 in Bonny Doon that destroyed a tender. No injuries were reported.

The post Arson Suspected After Fire Destroys Tender in Fire Station appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

The department’s three stations each house one of the new Sutphen Monarch custom pumpers.

The post Plainview (NY) Triple Play with Three Engines appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Everett (WA) Police have referred charges to the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office after a fire apparatus theft in July 2025, which caused multiple collisions and significant property damage.

The post Suspect in Fire Apparatus Theft ID’d by DNA appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.