Often underfunded and competing for resources, many fire departments across the country are like ladders stretched to their limits — and in tighter economic times, the question of reach is paramount. Fire chiefs can face significant challenges to maintain and build staff and frequently want to take advantage of recent innovations in equipment.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: By Rick Stoll, ISO Community Analytic Services

Volunteer fire and first aid squads are cashing in on taxpayer-funded retirement accounts despite many members not responding to enough calls or not holding the proper certifications, according to a new report by the state comptroller. Municipalities can make deposits into tax-deferred accounts for volunteer firefighters and first aid responders who earn enough credits by responding to calls and other work during the year.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Newark Star-Ledger/NJ.com

House Republicans are proposing that some forest fires be treated like federal disasters, an attempt to win broader support for legislation that targets overgrown national forest lands. The legislation focuses on speeding up timber harvests and the removal of underbrush the Forest Service deems necessary to improving the health of a forest.
- PUB DATE: 7/8/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: u.s. news & world report

PHOTOS/VIDEO: The side of a building on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row collapsed after a large blaze erupted there Monday afternoon. Three buildings were damaged in the fire — 111, 113 and 115 West Main Street — all part of a project to redevelop the historic buildings into new lofts, retail and restaurant space called 111 Whiskey Row.
- PUB DATE: 7/7/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WHAS-TV ABC 11 Louisville

VIDEO: Albuquerque's Freedom 4th celebration drew 70,000 people, but while their eyes were on the sky, one woman climbed onto a city fire engine and then refused to come down. "Who said? Who said? Who said I can't be up here?" she asked. Security, fire and police crews tried to get her down. "Because I want to be on top of a fire truck," she told an officer when asked why she wouldn't come down.
- PUB DATE: 7/7/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOAT-TV ABC 7 Albuquerque