Santa will soon be cruising through area neighborhoods, escorted by local firefighters. Listen for sirens and look for flashing lights as Mr. Claus will cruise Stanwood neighborhoods atop big red fire engines collecting food and toy donations. The tour starts at 5 p.m. on weekends and 5:30 p.m. on weeknights.
- PUB DATE: 12/9/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Go Skagit

Morgantown (WV) is moving forward with the purchase of a new ladder truck for its fire department, reports wajr.com.

The new apparatus is an 18-foot-long truck that will replace a 25-year-old truck housed at the South High Street fire station, the report says. Its funding will come via the city’s escrow fund.

Council also approved the purchase of replacement gear for the department, according to the report.

Debra J. Bridges, 61, of Pe Ell, has pleaded guilty to starting a fire that burned down her residence and has been sentenced to five months in prison, with credit for the 64 days she has served in jail since her arrest on Oct. 14. Bridges is required to undergo a mental health evaluation while in custody and complete any recommended treatment.
- PUB DATE: 12/8/2021 4:19:24 PM - SOURCE: Centralia Chronicle

The Olive Branch (MS) Fire Department recently took delivery of Engine 3, its new $660,497 pumper.

The apparatus is a 2021 Pierce Enforcer, whose purchase was approved by the board in October 2020.

The apparatus boasts a Cummins X12 engine; 80 gallons of foam; a 2,000-gpm pump; and a 1,000-gallon tank.

Due to inflation and a square-footage underestimate, Mitchell Associates Architects officials say the $7.2 million estimate the Williamstown (MA) fire district received in 2008 has now increased to more than $15 million, reports iberkshires.com.

The station, which the district wants to build on Main Street just east of the Aubuchon Hardware building, has hit a pair of snags. First, the cost of construction has risen by 3.1% per year on average since 2008, according to the report.

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Next, the department will likely need more space than the original design called for, the report says. The first plans omitted many necessary features.

Architect officials noted there was some good news, as the larger design could still fit on the 3.7-acre parcel of land the district purchased four years ago.