VIDEO: In March 2019, a massive chemical fire broke out after a leak at a chemical tank farm in Deer Park spread to almost a dozen other tanks. A plume of smoke soon loomed over the Houston skyline and lingered there for three days. Residents of Deer Park were forced to shelter in place due to air pollution hazards, the Houston Ship Channel closed for three days, and millions of gallons of hazardous waste spilled on the ground and leaked into the water.
- PUB DATE: 5/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KHOU-TV CBS 11 Houston

Fire crews in Longview, Washington battled an apartment fire late Sunday night that displaced 16 people. Firefighters were called to 3858 Pennsylvania Street just before 11:30 p.m. Sunday. People living in nearby apartment units and others living in the complex came out to the parking lot, causing a “chaotic” scene, according to Longview Police & Fire.
- PUB DATE: 5/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

Levels 2 and 1 evacuation notices have been issued for homes near a brush fire burning in Chelan County. Washington State Patrol troopers at one point closed State Route 97A at Swakane Canyon Road due to the fire, but it has since been reopened. However, the fire is still burning in an area away from the road.
- PUB DATE: 5/24/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

PHOTOS: Firefighters may be known for saving kittens from trees, but Thursday afternoon Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue was called in to pull a cow from a mud hole. The cow, which lives in the 3700 block of NE 259th St. east of Ridgefield, slid down a 20-foot embankment and got stuck in mud up to its belly.
- PUB DATE: 5/21/2021 5:20:11 PM - SOURCE: Longview Daily News

DeSoto (TX) Fire Rescue will hold a ribbon-cutting for its new Station 2 next Saturday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Construction of the 14,200-square-foot combined facility at 206 S. Parks Drive was approved by voters in a 2014 bond referendum. The new digs includes:

• Sleeping alcove bunk rooms with adjacent dayroom, kitchen, dining area, and physical agility room.
• Offices for Fire Administration and Fire Prevention staff.
• DeSoto’s Emergency Operations Center.
• Community safe room funded by a grant from FEMA that can withstand winds up to 250 mph with three-second wind gusts. This room will also serve as a multi-purpose community meeting and training space.

The ribbon-cutting will be followed by refreshments and a tour of the facility.