VIDEO: Can a forest be modified to make it less likely to burn? That's what Washington's wildfire experts have been testing in Okanogan County, where a major wildfire burned hundreds of acres that were treated to make the forest healthier and more fire-resistant -- and they're finding the results are mixed.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING 5 News Seattle

The current heat wave is bringing a Fire Weather Watch for most of North Central Washington through Thursday from the National Weather Service. That means there’s the possibility of rapid spread of new or existing wildfires. The Cedar Creek Fire, along with the adjacent Cub Creek Fire in Okanogan County are the two major fires currently burning in the region.
- PUB DATE: 8/11/2021 7:35:57 PM - SOURCE: KPQ-AM 560

Springdale has approved spending $630,000 from the fire department’s budget to purchase a new fire engine, reports Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

The cost of the new pumper engine from Emergency Vehicle Specialists is up by about 2% from previous purchases due to the impact of COVID-19 and the scarcity of electronic parts.

Delivery of the new engine is expected in mid-October 2022. The new fire truck will hold 750 gallons of water and will come with the full complement of equipment and hoses.

The fire department has also outgrown Station 4 so the council in May bought 4 acres for $443,000 to build a new fire station.

The Topeka City Council has approved more than $4 million in repairs for multiple fire stations, reports The Topeka Capital-Journal.

One group of fire station repairs lists roof replacements, HVAC work, lighting and fire alarm upgrades, among other items, for an estimated cost of $2.1 million.

Another group of projects estimates $2.5 million in repairs for windows, generators and apparatus, among other items. Engineers also estimate replacing a fire station’s roof that will cost $120,000.

White Oak City Council voted to approve a fire truck purchase as part of the 2022 budget, reports KLTV 7.

The fire department’s main fire engine was built in 1998 and fire officials are ready for a replacement. The new $600,000 truck is expected to arrive in a year or two.

The fire department also has a burn building that was built just last week. The building is made up of four shipping containers and will be used to train firefighters to navigate through a smoke filled building.