Authorities were called to Owasso High School’s East Campus on Monday morning after a student brought a “radioactive rock” to school, prompting a response from local law enforcement and hazardous materials teams. Around 10 a.m., Owasso police and fire departments arrived at the school after reports that multiple students had handled the rock.
- PUB DATE: 9/26/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOTV-DT CBS 6 Tulsa

VIDEO/PHOTOS: A fire broke out on Spokane's South Hill on Wednesday afternoon. According to Spokane Fire Department's Justin De Ruyter, winds knocked down a powerline causing a spark in dry brush. The fire spread across the street in some spots, but residents helped control the flames. "A spot fire started right behind us, and we actually jumped in and stomped that out, me and three other guys.
- PUB DATE: 9/26/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

Evacuations were issued for a wildfire burning in the Danville area on Wednesday night, according to Ferry County Sheriff's Office. Around 8:45 on September 25, FCSO issued Level 2 and 3 evacuations for Danville, Washington, about a two-and-a-half hour drive north of Spokane near the Canadian border.
- PUB DATE: 9/26/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

November 5, 2024 | 1 ET

In an era where fire departments are increasingly challenged to achieve more with fewer resources, securing grant funding is essential. With over $250 billion in federal grants and an additional $200 billion from state and private sources available in 2025, the opportunities are vast—if approached with the right strategy. This webcast will focus on how departments can develop long-term funding strategies that align with their operational goals and build lasting relationships with grantors and private funding sources in their communities. We’ll discuss proven approaches for departments to craft high-quality, authentic grant applications that genuinely reflect their specific needs and community impact, while also fostering trust and collaboration with key funding partners. By examining real-world examples and best practices, participants will gain actionable insights into how to maximize limited budgets, reduce operational costs, and ensure their projects resonate with funders and strengthen their long-term funding networks.

South Metro Fire Rescue is proud to introduce the organization’s first tractor drawn aerial to the fleet, the department said on its YouTube channel. The TDA went into service Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Station 34 in Lone Tree, Colorado.

This new tiller, known as Ladder 34, replaces both Tower 34 and Heavy Rescue 34. Both pieces of apparatus were scheduled to be replaced to meet SMFR’s goal of replacing special operations apparatus at the 20-plus year mark.

Instead of needing two replacements that would cost the department millions of dollars, South Metro combined two pieces of apparatus into one with the new tiller. Ladder 34 is the first tractor drawn aerial to be seen on Denver Metro Area roadways in 20 years.

SMFR received Ladder 34 from Pierce Manufacturing within the last month after years of planning and preparing for this unit to meet the needs of the community. This tiller was specifically designed to be housed at Station 34 in Lone Tree and to be able to maneuver the streets with good sight lines for the engineers and operators driving and guiding the apparatus.

Dynamics such as tighter streets, complex access for buildings, and many multi-story residential structures allowed for Pierce to manufacture a tractor drawn aerial that can operate safely and effectively in the district.

South Metro also took into consideration that Ladder 34 can perform as a primary response unit as well as offering specialty support on calls needing heavy rescue and technical rescue capabilities. Tools that used to be on Rescue 34 are now being housed on Collapse 45. The new Collapse unit was added to the SMFR fleet in the last couple of years with help from a grant. Now, both Collapse 45 and Ladder 34 will be able to respond on technical rescue and heavy rescue calls with equipment spread across both units.

Specifications

Chassis	Velocity®
Body	Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladder
Actual Overall Height	11′ 8″
Engine	Cummins X15
Horsepower	605 hp
Front Suspension	TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension
Rear Suspension	Air
Electrical System	Command Zone™
Pump	Waterous Midship
Pump GPM	1500 gpm
Tank	Water
Tank Size	300 gallons
Generator	Harrison Hydraulic
Generator KW	6 kW