Two members of Albert Lea Fire Rescue are making their community proud for their performance at the Firefighter Challenge Midwest Region Classic.

Captain Kurt Wallace and Firefighter Kyo Htoo represented the department during the competition in Valparaiso, Indiana with Wallace earning four medals and setting new state and regional timing records.

Wallace placed first in multiple events within the age 50–59 male category including individual race, tandem event and relay event.

Htoo also competed in a large field, placing 18th in the age 18–29 male individual category. The Firefighter Challenge tests competitors’ physical fitness and job-specific skills in a grueling obstacle course that puts participants through five timed tasks that simulate real-life emergencies.

KTTC-TV NBC 10 Rochester

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The Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced state fire assistance was mobilized for crews battling the Devils Canyon and Wallace Walker fires, south of Kahlotus. WSP Chief John Batiste authorized the response at 5:00 p.m. on July 16, 2026, after a request from Fire Chief Scott Moore of Franklin County Fire District 2.

The fires have burned an estimated combined 1,500 acres. State officials said the flames are moving through grass, brush and wheat while threatening homes, crops and infrastructure. Level 2 evacuations are in effect for the Wallace Walker fire. The cause of both fires remains under investigation.

Both fires are burning between the Lyons Ferry Fire along Highway 261 and the Neff Jones Fire south of Columbia Plateau Trail State Park. State fire assistance was requested for those fires as well.

KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

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VIDEO/PHOTOS: Firefighters evacuated a three-story apartment building in the 100 block of N. 45th St. Thursday morning after a fire broke out in the attic void space above the third floor. Crews put water on the fire and upgraded the incident to a second alarm to bring in additional resources, the Seattle Fire Department said.

The entire building was evacuated as a safety precaution, and firefighters pulled apart the ceiling in multiple third-floor apartment units to gain access to the fire. Flames and heavy smoke were seen coming from the building. At 7:43 a.m., the Seattle Fire Department reported the fire was under control and that a primary search of the entire building was all clear.

By 7:50 a.m., crews were working on an overhaul to remove smoldering debris and extinguish hot spots. No injuries were reported, and the department said it was reducing its response. The incident remains under investigation, and the amount of damage is unknown.

KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

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Early Wednesday morning, firefighters responded to a large warehouse fire in Seattle’s Industrial District, marking the second consecutive day the department responded to a large incident. “Our firefighters and paramedics have been busy and we thank them for their service,” said public information officer David Cuerpo.

As of July 15, he said the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has responded to more than 12 “significant fires” and more than 125 brush fires this month. Early Tuesday, crews responded to a commercial fire that impacted multiple businesses. “Who do we call, what do we do? I don’t know the answers yet. I don’t think there is help for small businesses when these things happen,” said Alexis Robinson, who owns a business in the building.

At the beginning of the month, a 93-year-old woman died in a house fire. Cuerpo said this has been one of the busiest stretches for firefighters since last July, adding, “this one has been busier.” It’s not uncommon to see a spike in brush fires in the warm, dry summer months, but the increase in structure fires is unusual.

“Our fire investigators are slammed with the severe number of incidents we’ve had throughout the month, so all of these incidents are still under investigation,” said Cuerpo. The department urges people to be prepared for emergencies, and to take steps that could help prevent fires, such as testing smoke alarms, creating an escape plan, and knowing where to find a fire extinguisher.

As warm, dry conditions persist, Cuerpo warns of the additional risks to homes. “The key thing for residents is to make sure their trash receptacles are ten feet away from their homes, along with outdoor grills. Make sure grills are kept clean, mow your lawn if you have one, and make sure your grass is short because any dry brush can quickly spread to a fire to your home,” he said.

KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

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The upgraded Vantage produces 225 lumens and 22,000 candela, delivering a focused beam through smoke and haze while maintaining usable peripheral light.

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