Shoppers, diners and moviegoers at River Park Square Tuesday night had to evacuate because of a fire in a kitchen. The Spokane Fire Department said there was light smoke coming from the Panda Express at the mall. Firefighters said they were able to put it out quickly. However, people in the area were asked to evacuate just to stay on the safe side.
- PUB DATE: 10/26/2021 8:56:45 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

A suspect has been arrested by Pierce County detectives in connection to the arson at the Islamic Center of Tacoma. The 38-year-old man was taken into custody on Tuesday the 26th following multiple tips given by the community. The suspect has not been identified at this time, but deputies confirmed he has been booked into the Pierce County Jail on suspicion of first degree arson.
- PUB DATE: 10/26/2021 5:36:56 PM - SOURCE: KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

Firehouse Subs in Port Arthur has donated $13,578 to the Port Neches (TX) Fire Department to help with the purchase of new safety equipment. The funds, part of more than $62.5 million for first responder organizations across the country, will be for thermal imaging cameras.

“The past year and a half have been difficult for many, impacting first responders and communities across the country,” Firehouse Subs said in a press release. “As we continue to battle health crises and natural disasters, frontline heroes constantly expose themselves to dangerous situations, creating a need for updated lifesaving equipment.”

“We are grateful to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Port Arthur for awarding us this grant,” said Fire Chief Eloy Vega in the release. “By providing thermal imager cameras, our first responders will be able to achieve real-time situational awareness in adverse and hostile conditions to expedite rescue operations and help the people of Port Neches during emergency situations, especially during the upcoming holiday season.”

To donate or learn more, click here.

Grant County Fire District 7 has been chosen as a recipient of Gesa Credit Union’s Local Heroes Grant Award. The fire district based in Soap Lake is receiving $5,000 in funding. The district plans to use the funds to purchase personal protective equipment to be used during firefighting and rescue operations, according to Chief Kirk Sheppard.
- PUB DATE: 10/26/2021 1:32:17 PM - SOURCE: iFiberOne

Myriad issues have caused delays on construction of the new West Chester Township (OH) Fire Station 73 on Duff Drive, causing around $300,000 in extra costs, reports journal-news.com. However, officials maintain the project was a success financially.

Trustees recently approved $294,600 to cover additional work and $17,841 to fix the asphalt at the temporary station damaged by apparatus, the report says.

West Chester Fire Department celebrated the opening of new Fire Station 73. Take a virtual tour: https://t.co/sdFD814gaf #WestChesterOH #BestPlacestoLive pic.twitter.com/Zqj8Mh9XeP

— West Chester Township (@westchestertwp) October 25, 2021

Crews moved into the facility on September 18, but the township officially opened it last week. The total cost of the project, including all the variables, is $4.3 million—1.3% over budget.

The township considered renovating the 50-year-old station, but the construction-only cost estimate was $3.6 million compared to $3.5 million to tear down the station and erect a new one, the report says.

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