VIDEO/PHOTOS: A fireball explosion at a home in Martinez was captured in multiple videos Wednesday afternoon, destroying the residence and sending up thick, black smoke hundreds of feet into the air. Investigators say three minors playing with fire were the cause. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said Wednesday evening that the fire started in a backyard on Arthur Road.
- PUB DATE: 5/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KTVU-TV Fox 2 Oakland

Allegheny Health Network has teamed up with Marvel Comics to tell the true-life stories of medical responders from community EMS services, who have been serving the community through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Set in the winter of 2020, the first responders’ stories are brought to life in a comic book, titled “The Vitals: True EMS Stories,” that was unveiled Monday.
- PUB DATE: 5/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WPXI-TV NBC 11 Pittsburgh

PHOTOS: The Asheville Fire Department might be the most accepting of change in the fire service, given what firefighters have been through over the last several years. The department has made significant changes in a short period of time, specifically when it comes to effort to better protect a firefighter from a risk many weren't even talking about a decade ago.
- PUB DATE: 5/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WLOS-TV ABC 13 Asheville

Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena to announce the proposed pay raise for Houston firefighters. Turner said because of the $670 million American Rescue Plan from President Joe Biden’s administration, the city will be able to use those funds to help raise firefighters’ pay. He said under the new pay, Houston firefighters will receive an 18% increase in pay over the next three fiscal years, which will be based on qualifications.
- PUB DATE: 5/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KPRC-TV NBC 2 Houston

A University of Florida research team is working on a robot dog that has the ability to enter an enclosed space, scan it, and provide humans with a visual of what’s inside, an application that could lessen dangerous situations for first responders. The team of graduate and undergraduate students is led by Eric Jing Du, Ph.
- PUB DATE: 5/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: University of Florida News