VIDEO: According to Gas Buddy about 7% of gas stations in Alabama are out of fuel. Others are running low - or only have limited options. As more and more gas stations continue to face a gas shortage, first responders are trying to make plans to keep their vehicles fueled. Decatur Fire Chief Tracy Thornton said he's starting to see more gas stations with bags over the pumps to indicate they’re running low or completely out of fuel.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WAAY-TV ABC 31 Huntsville

In the 36 years Neil Pedersen has been a firefighter, he has witnessed his fire department grow from one station to five, worked one of the largest fires in Auburn history, and beaten down cancer. He has worked many sleepless nights and responded to heart-wrenching incidents, but when asked about his career, Neil smiles and says simply, “I loved it.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Auburn Examiner

Puget Sound ferry travelers can expect summer delays because last month’s fire aboard the ferry Wenatchee has forced the state to use smaller vessels than normal on several routes. The Seattle Times reports the Washington State Ferries is operating 18 vessels instead of the usual summer fleet of 19 boats.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

As the coronavirus outbreak recedes in many parts of the U.S., the Pacific Northwest has emerged as an outlier — gripped by a late spring surge that has filled hospitals in the metro areas around Seattle and Portland. In recent weeks, the governors of both states have hit the brakes on reopening plans in hopes of countering the rapid spread of the more contagious B.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NPR.org

Thomasville Fire Rescue was recently awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) of $248,000, which will fund 42 new Dragger Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), reports WALB News 10.

Recipients of the grant are required to also contribute financially toward the purchase of the equipment. The fire department’s current SCBA are 18 years old and three standards behind the current industry standards.

They cannot be refurbished due to the age and lack of parts. The packs also lack the necessary capabilities to provide efficient radio communications.