The Hayward fire chief has been spared his job despite serving a one-month suspension earlier this year for repeatedly driving city vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, fighting with a subordinate and failing to respond to a “significant” fire while on call, an investigation found. Fire Chief Garrett Contreras, 41, was suspended without pay from June 13 to July 12 and had his pay docked by 9 percent as a result of an investigation that found he drove city vehicles while under the influence on at least four occasions, according to a letter written to the chief by City Manager Fran David.
- PUB DATE: 8/5/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: san francisco chronicle

A bullet did, in fact, strike the helmet of a firefighter who responded to a blaze in Avondale on July 18, police confirmed Tuesday. That conclusion has city firefighters seeking an apology from City Hall, where a spokesman had questioned whether firefighters' initial report on the incident was accurate.
- PUB DATE: 8/5/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Cincinnati Enquirer & Cincinnati.com

U.S. Forest Service officials said Tuesday that Black Hills National Forest Fire Engine Captain David "Dave" Ruhl died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation. The findings were released Tuesday after an autopsy was completed. The 38-year-old from South Dakota went missing the evening of July 30 during the initial attack on the Frog Fire in the Modoc National Forest.
- PUB DATE: 8/5/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KRCR-TV ABC 7 & KCVU-TV Fox 20

Four children, believed to be ages 2 to 5, are dead after a fire that consumed the top floors of a condominium building in Osage Beach, Missouri late Tuesday. Osage Beach Fire Chief Jeff Dorhauer tell KOLR10 News the fire was reported just before 11:30 p.m. at Compass Pointe Condominiums off Red Bud Road.
- PUB DATE: 8/5/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KSFX/KOLR-TV FOX 27 Ozarks First

A judge on Monday refused to issue a temporary restraining order sought by Providence firefighters to stop the city from moving ahead with shift changes. Mayor Jorge Elorza on Sunday implemented a new schedule that has firefighters working a 56-hour work week. At the same time, the number of platoons has been reduced from four to three.
- PUB DATE: 8/4/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WJAR-TV NBC 10 Providence