Some scientists have called it "superhuman immunity" or "bulletproof." But immunologist Shane Crotty prefers "hybrid immunity." "Overall, hybrid immunity to SARS-CoV-2 appears to be impressively potent," Crotty wrote in commentary in Science back in June. No matter what you call it, this type of immunity offers much needed good news in what seems like an endless array of bad news regarding COVID-19.
- PUB DATE: 9/8/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: National Public Radio

Firefighters and police officers are investigating a fire at an abandoned two-story house on the 300-block of Auburn St on Tuesday afternoon. Kennewick Fire Chief Chad Michael told KAPP-KVEW that the fire was first reported shortly after 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7. Crews observed smoke stemming from this fire all the way back at their fire station.
- PUB DATE: 9/8/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: YakTriNews

Cases driven by the delta variant are still on the rise, but now health officials are starting to closely monitor another variant called the mu variant. Its mutations are raising concerns that it may be more resistant to COVID-19 vaccines. According to Outbreak, a Scripps Research website, the mu variant has spread to 49 states, including Washington state.
- PUB DATE: 9/8/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

Bumping River Road was elevated to a Level 3 “go now” evacuation on Tuesday night because of spotting from the Schneider Springs Fire. Yakima Valley Emergency Management said the order covers the Bumping River Road area from State Route 410 west toward Bumping Lake. Residents are advised to take family, pets, and important documents and evacuate the area immediately.
- PUB DATE: 9/8/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Yakima Herald-Republic - Metered Site

(CAVE CREEK, Ariz.) — On August 16, 20201, the Town of Cave Creek voted in favor of the lease and purchase of the building located at 37402 N Cave Creek Road, which currently houses Rural Metro Fire Station 825. As a result of the purchase agreement that has a projected close of escrow on or before January 15, 2021, Rural Metro Fire has received a 60-day notice to vacate the building and will be forced to leave its Cave Creek station on October 20, 2021.

Leaders from Rural Metro shared that they plan to relocate teams and equipment from station 825 to surrounding Rural Metro operations but that the order to vacate could cause a delay in response to Cave Creek for 911 calls.

“We are disappointed with the decision of the town council and feel this is a step in the wrong direction for public safety in Cave Creek,” said Brian Gilbert, Fire Chief for Rural Metro Fire. “With our personnel and apparatus being forced to move to neighboring stations, the community may experience delays in 911 response because our teams are now having to travel greater distances.”

Despite the vacate order, Chief Gilbert assures Cave Creek residents that Rural Metro Fire is committed to continuing its long-standing history of service and protection in the community of Cave Creek.

“Rural Metro Fire has proudly served the residents of Cave Creek since 1968, and we will not allow a 60-day notice to detract from that history or change our commitment to them,” said Gilbert. “We stand firm in our service.”

Rural Metro Fire subscriptions in Cave Creek will remain active but, officials with the organization encourage residents to set up a monthly auto-pay option to continue services while Cave Creek is in negotiations. Residents can contact Rural Metro Fire Member Services by calling 480.627.6200.

For residents wishing to address their concerns regarding Cave Creek’s purchase of station 825, they are encouraged to contact the town of Cave Creek or the Town Council by visiting www.cavecreek.org or www.cavecreek.org/2/Town-Council.

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About Rural Metro Fire Department

Rural Metro Fire is committed to providing fire protection and emergency services. Rural Metro Fire serves unincorporated communities around the nation, as well as commercial on-site industrial and AARF services. Our highly skilled firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics strive to provide outstanding service on every call. Rural Metro Fire employs more than 7,500 people and answers 1.5 million calls for service, yearly. A subsidiary of American Medical Response, Rural Metro is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about Rural Metro Fire, visit www.ruralmetrofire.com.

Rural Metro Fire is part of the Global Medical Response family of companies. Global Medical Response, Inc. is the industry-leading air, ground, specialty and residential fire services, and managed medical transportation organization. With more than 38,000 employees, GMR delivers compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.globalmedicalresponse.com.