The Caldwell (ID) Fire Department added a Pierce rescue-pumper to address rapid growth and rising call volume in its 150-square-mile district.

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The Hill Loop Road Fire, which ignited on Thursday afternoon to the northeast of Barstow, has prompted multiple evacuations in the area, according to Stevens County Emergency Management. Officials reported that the fire is estimated to be burning 40 acres at this time, as it continues spreading to the north. It first ignited in the 3500 area of Hill Loop Road.

Level 3 evacuation orders have been issued for the area north of Hill Loop Road, extending to just beyond Fifteen Mile Creek Road. Level 2 evacuation advisories are currently in effect for the area north of the Level 3 zone.

The American Red Cross temporarily established an evacuation shelter at the American Legion Post 146 in Kettle Falls, however, SCEM officials stated that it was being closed within a few hours of it opening.

KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

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PHOTOS: A historic Cleveland church was destroyed early Friday morning after a massive fire. Before 2 a.m., the old Friendship Baptist Church at East 55th Street and Central Avenue went up in flames.

19 News crews were on the scene as nearly 60 firefighters responded. Flames engulfed the vacant church before the roof collapsed.

Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman estimated the loss at about $500,000 and said that the building is “irreplaceable.” The church was first built back in the 1890s and has been abandoned for years. There have been no injuries reported.

Norman told 19 News that the cause is still under investigation. “Crews did a nice job protecting a building next door on the south side of E.55. It was unaffected by the inferno,” Cleveland Fire said.

WOIO-TV CBS 19 Cleveland

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VIDEO/PHOTOS: Three months after a deadly fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Searsmont, one Maine woman is providing first responders with comfort.

Althea Walker of Hartland donated 20 quilts Thursday to Searsmont firefighters. She says she wanted to take action after Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury died from his injuries, so she called on fellow quilt makers from Maine to Florida.

Officials in Searsmont say the donation demonstrates just how strong the community is. “It was one of those experiences that I probably will never forget because so many people wanted to let the people who responded that day know that even though they don’t know our name, we’re out there, and that we love them, and we’re hoping these help them heal,” Walker said.

Searsmont Fire and Rescue Chief James Ames says the quilts will serve as a reminder of that support. “I’m going to put my quilt beside my recliner where I sit. Our community’s always been fairly close, always helping one another. I think that will always continue,” Ames said.

WGME-TV CBS 13 Portland

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Two firefighters were injured while crews battled a blaze near the campus of Jackson State University, according to the Jackson Fire Department.

Jackson Fire Department units responded to Florence and Rosemont Avenues, at approximately 3:28 a.m. for a report of two vacant, abandoned structures on fire.

Six houses were engulfed in flames when they arrived, and five of those homes were destroyed.

During suppression of the fire, two firefighters were injured. One sustained a burn to the leg, and the other experienced dehydration. Both firefighters have been treated, released, and are expected to make a full recovery.

WLBT crews were on the scene around 4 a.m. and witnessed flames shooting high into the air, along with smoke and debris, with multiple fire crews working.

After the fire was brought under control, a fire investigator was requested. JFD says that the fire will be classified as ‘incendiary’ and is believed to have been caused by some type of human involvement.

WLBT-TV NBC 3 Jackson

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