Investigators believe a wildfire that scorched over 85 acres in Richland this week started at a homeless camp along a local highway. Battalion Chief Randy Aust informed officials about the initial investigation into the Yakima Delta Fire during a recent city council meeting. Aust told city leaders that the fire appeared to start near a homeless encampment in the area of State Route 240 near the Yakima River.
- PUB DATE: 5/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KATU-TV ABC 2 Portland

Clark County Fire District 6 officials say it’s the deadliest job in America: towing disabled cars off the side of the freeway. In just the past few months, three tow truck drivers were in serious crashes in southwest Washington. “I think people have been cooped up for so long that they really want to get out and get going and we’ve noticed it,” said David Schmitke, the public information officer and public education coordinator for CCFD6.
- PUB DATE: 5/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KPTV FOX 12 Portland

When Amanda Winchell started working at the Spokane Fire Department Training Center, she never thought her love of raising goats would intersect with her job as an office manager there. But Chief Brian Schaeffer loves to utilize his employees’ unique skills. “She’s part of our family, and the goats are her passion when she’s at home,” Schaeffer said.
- PUB DATE: 5/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Spokesman-Review - Metered Site

Vestavia Hills Fire Department has welcomed a new, $1.2 million fire truck, reports Vestavia Voice.

The fire department posted to Facebook, “Our new ladder truck, Quint #4 arrived today. It is equipped with a 103 foot ladder and 1500 gallon per minute pump. It will be housed at Fire Station #4 in Liberty Park. We will complete a few weeks of training and familiarization before placing it in service. We would like to thank the Mayor and City Council for providing us with the tools we need to deliver service to the city.”

The truck also should help the city’s rating from the Insurance Services Office.

Reynoldsburg City Council unanimously approved a land sale for a fire station for West Licking Joint Fire District, reports This Week Community News.

The vacant land was gifted to the city in 2003 for future parkland. In addition to a new fire station, the WLJFD will install a pedestrian path.

The West Licking Fire District operates five stations serving 109 square miles encompassing the communities of Reynoldsburg, Pataskala and Kirkersville, as well as Etna, Harrison and Jersey townships.