PHOTOS: Akron firefighters responded to a recycling center fire Thursday that resulted in heavy black smoke and a shelter-in-place order that has since been lifted.

The fire sparked ahead of 1:35 p.m. at Holub Recycling, located at 470 N. Arlington St. near Summa Hospital. The source was a 40-foot-high pile of compressed recycled cars, metals, plastic and rubber.

Fire crews said fire and smoke were initially seen coming from “a large scrap/rubbish pile” outside the center.

The blaze drew nearly half of Akron’s fire department to the scene, with multiple pumpers, engine companies and several ladder trucks rotating in throughout the afternoon, fire officials said.

“We’ve had almost the entire department out here rotating in. So right now, we probably have close to half the department on scene. Multiple pumpers, engine companies, and several ladders,” Capt. Matt Askea with Akron Fire Department.

A shelter-in-place order has been lifted for parts of the Arlington and Middlebury neighborhoods.

WOIO-TV CBS 19 Cleveland

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VIDEO/PHOTOS: Firefighters contained a brush fire burning on a cliff bank in Gig Harbor Thursday; the area where the fire was burning was difficult access for crews on the ground. Crews were called out to the scene at around noon in the 1200 block of 26th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor Fire said.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office was assisting with a drone to provide aerial observation, according to Gig Harbor Fire. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources deployed a helicopter to conduct water drops in areas that are difficult for crews to safely access on foot. “At this time, no structures are threatened,” Gig Harbor Fire said.

KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

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VIDEO: Several local agencies took part in water rescue training in Kennewick as first responders worked through canal emergency scenarios and shared safety reminders for the Tri-Cities community. The exercise brought together Benton County Fire Districts 1 and 4, Kennewick Fire, Richland Fire and the Kennewick Irrigation District. Officials said the training focused on rescue methods and public awareness around canal and waterway dangers.

Kennewick Deputy Chief Jake Van Horn says although incidents like this happen around once every season, the need for training and education is very important. “The risk for water rescue is real,” said Deputy Chief Van Horn. “It’s not a frequent emergency, but it is something that we could have to respond on at any time. And it’s something we want to be prepared for.”

Officials said the exercise highlighted reach, throw and go techniques along with general water safety tips. Richland Fire Battalion Chief Josh Smith explained that canals are not meant for swimming because of hazards hidden below the surface. “There’s a ton of unknown hazards that lie underneath the water. So don’t assume that this water is safe because there’s mud. There could be glass in the mud and various things that blow into the canal systems. They’re not a place where you should find water recreation,” said Battalion Chief Smith.

Officials also say canal water can move from two to five miles an hour, which can quickly knock someone off balance and carry them downstream. Not to mention they could potentially be filled with chemicals, like ones that treat and kill aquatic plants. Jason McShane, acting district manager for the Kennewick Irrigation District, encouraged people to choose safer places to cool off in the summer.

“We have lots of splash pads. We’ve got our public pools. We’ve got other private pools that are available for the recreational units. The new Pasco Aquatic Center is available, for that. I would suggest that we could probably use additional recreational facilities for, for the hot summer months, but the canals are not the choice for that,” said McShane.

KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

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PHOTOS: Jake Johnson, the Lacey firefighter hospitalized after an off-duty fall on July 19, has succumbed to his injuries. His firehouse, Lacey Fire District 3, announced his passing on Wednesday, July 29. “Jake was a firefighter, a teammate, and a friend who answered the call to serve others with courage and compassion. His loss is felt deeply by everyone who knew him and served alongside him,” Lacey Fire District 3 said in a social media post.

Community members are asked to keep Johnson’s family in their thoughts and respect their privacy in the coming days. “Our hearts are with Jake’s family, his loved ones, his friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss,” Lacey Fire District 3 stated.

Johnson’s accidental fall occurred the morning of July 19. First responders with the Olympia and Tumwater fire departments quickly responded, stabilized Johnson and transported him to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, however, he was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He endured multiple surgeries to repair his internal injuries before his condition worsened on July 21, at which time he was placed on life support.

Nisqually Valley News – Metered Site

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Whitefish is exploring a second, fully staffed fire station north of the Baker Avenue viaduct to address growth.

The post Whitefish (MT) Explores Options for a Second Fire Station appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.