Tuesday was a "landmark day," as the United States reached a new COVID-19 vaccine milestone: 60% of adults have now received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the US Centers and Disease Control and Prevention. But vaccination rates across the United States are uneven -- a worrisome trend that could obstruct efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
- PUB DATE: 5/19/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN Health

A state investigation into the Labor Day fire that burned 80% of the homes in in the Whitman County town of Malden blames a damaged tree that was blown into power lines. The report by the Department of Natural Resource alleges that a closer inspection of the tree was warranted. The report does not specifically blame Avista Utilities for not inspecting or removing the tree.
- PUB DATE: 5/19/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

Clearing fire fuels is critical to reducing the risk of wildfires in the summer months. Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources Landowner Program focuses on fire hazard abatement on private land. The program saw more landowners interested in participating in the program during the pandemic.
- PUB DATE: 5/19/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2 Spokane

A man was arrested by Pasco Police for allegedly attempting to set fires outside the door of three apartments shortly after midnight on Monday. According to a Facebook post by the Pasco Police, officers responded to the 200-block of W Shoshone St. on Monday. There, officers made contact with the suspect — Edgar Rolon Rodriguez — in a smoky upper hallway.
- PUB DATE: 5/18/2021 5:39:25 PM - SOURCE: YakTriNews

Thomasville Fire Rescue was recently awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $248,000 that will be used to purchase SCBA equipment, reports Albany Herald.

The funding will be used for the purchase of 42 new Dragger Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment. Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the grant aims to provide direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments.

The purchase of new SCBA equipment is necessary in order to meet industry safety standards.