Overdoses from synthetic opioids like fentanyl are steeply rising in Connecticut and across the country. The 12-month period ending in April 2021 was the deadliest year yet, with U.S. overdose deaths reaching a record high of over 100,000, reports the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- PUB DATE: 12/2/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: UConn Today

The 788th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department always aims for lofty milestones to make sure it is prepared to safeguard people and infrastructure in an emergency. “We conduct formal training three days a week, and informal training as opportunities arise,” said Bryan Weeks, the Fire Department’s assistant chief for training.
- PUB DATE: 12/2/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: DVIDS

One person has died after a home in the Orchards areas caught fire early Thursday morning. The Vancouver Fire Department said crews were called out to a house fire in the 15500 block of Northeast 99th Street at about 6:30 a.m. VFD said a large plume of smoke could be seen from miles away as crews were responding.
- PUB DATE: 12/2/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KPTV FOX 12 Portland

Lieutenant Leslee Smith retired from North Whatcom Fire and Rescue in October after 26 years of service, leaving behind a trailblazing career where she helped women see themselves in bunker gear and a red hat. Smith, a B.C. native, spent the beginning of her career as a child care counselor in B.C. and a behavioral specialist at Blaine Primary School.
- PUB DATE: 12/2/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Northern Light

Two key pillars of the new "Keep Washington Evergreen" initiative are restoring Washington forests devastated by wildfire and preserving key forest lands from development. Keep Washington Evergreen is also a large piece of legislation heading to the state capitol in the next session, and is being spearheaded by Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz.
- PUB DATE: 12/2/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle