Thursday marks the second Thanksgiving during the coronavirus pandemic. Many grandparents are excitedly planning to see their grandchildren. Friends are dressing their dining tables for turkey and loved ones. Some people have flights booked or road trips scheduled. But in the background, COVID-19 case numbers are inching upward across the United States and millions of Americans remain unvaccinated -- leaving some people worried about the possible COVID-19 risks that could come with their Thanksgiving plans.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN Health

Five City of Spokane firefighters with COVID vaccine exemptions are returning to work. New accommodations have been found for these five people in the dispatch center and a sixth is possible, according to City Spokesman Brian Coddington. All firefighters were required to get vaccinated by October 18 per the state’s employee vaccine mandate.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

Opioid overdoses have increased by 200% between 2019 and 2020 in Clark County, and health officials say the spike may be linked to fentanyl. In 2019 there were 13 deaths from opioid overdoses, while in 2020 there were 39 deaths. Many of the overdoses happened between November 15-21 and involved people ages 18 to 44, according to Washington’s Department of Health.
- PUB DATE: 11/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOIN-TV NBC 6 Portland

One person was found dead in a fire at a Bremerton condominium complex overlooking Oyster Bay on Tuesday afternoon, one firefighter was taken to the hospital after being injured at the scene and three police officers were evaluated for smoke inhalation. The blaze at Southridge Condominiums, 923 Pershing Ave.
- PUB DATE: 11/23/2021 9:05:58 PM - SOURCE: Kitsap Sun

The City of Tampa (FL) is weeks away from providing relief to first responders by opening a new fire station in North Tampa, reports abcactionnews.com. City and fire officials Tuesday morning toured the soon-to-be fire station on East Fairbanks Street.

FA reported in September that Tampa Fire Rescue was in dire need of upgrades, and the city allocated $5 million for myriad projects to ameliorate the problem.

Tampa still must complete many renovations before the new Station 25 can be operational, though officials anticipate it being ready for action in January.

Once complete, the facility will operate solely as a rescue station—meaning firefighter and paramedics assigned there will only use ambulances to respond to medical emergencies, the report says. The city says this is a critical addition since 85% of the 911 calls in the area are medical in nature.

Happening Now: Fire Chief Barbara Tripp speaking with @KathyCastorFL and @CouncilmanViera about the progress of Fire Station #25 in the North Tampa community.#TampasBravest pic.twitter.com/Z3nnZHNhQc

— Tampa Fire Rescue (@TampaFireRescue) November 23, 2021