More infectious COVID-19 variants have emerged around the world, and experts are saying the United States must adapt to a changed pandemic playing field. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these variants spread more easily, and it’s unknown whether the illness caused is more severe.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NBC News

With a limited number of vaccines available, some people desperate for their first shot, are crossing state lines. It’s being called vaccine tourism. That’s when someone travels out-of-state to get a vaccine. This just recently came to the attention of health leaders in Washington and they are now focusing on a way to screen, ensuring everyone vaccinated is a state resident.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCYU-LD Fox 41 Yakima

The Spokane Fire Department’s overtime budget was already drawing scrutiny from elected officials. Then, a pandemic happened. The fire department is expected to close out 2020 about $3.5 million over its budget for overtime pay. It remains to be seen how much of the excess will be covered by state and federal pandemic assistance.
- PUB DATE: 1/29/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Spokesman-Review - Metered Site

The Alton Fire Department and EMS has the opportunity of expanding their current fire station, reports KTIV 4.

The addition would be 8,800 square feet and would house four new bays, a scrub room, a bunker gear room, a maintenance room, and a meeting and training facility area.

The preliminary budget cost is $2 million and would entail a bond election in mid-February.

The post Alton (IA) Fire Station In Need of Expansion appeared first on Fire Apparatus.

The city of Hattiesburg broke ground on a fire station last year and is making progress with construction, reports WDAM 7.

The station is just under 10,000 square feet total with office space, a kitchen, a common area and truck bays. There are two large bays for fire trucks and additional space for a battalion pickup truck.

The fire station is expected to be complete in late April or early May. 

The post Hattiesburg (MS) Fire Station Construction Underway appeared first on Fire Apparatus.