It’s spring and that means it’s time to train another crop of tiller drivers. The Spokane Valley Fire Department spent a few days this week out at the Spokane International Airport taking advantage of a large concrete pad to help crews learn and practice their tiller ladder driving skills. Having an area of this size is critical for allowing new drivers to stretch and grow in their skillset without hitting anything more than a formidable number of expendable cones.
- PUB DATE: 4/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Spokane Valley Fire

Seattle is expanding a program that sends firefighters with social workers to 911 calls involving people on the streets who need help other than a trip to the hospital. A second Health One team will launch later this week, allowing the city to expand coverage from downtown and Capitol Hill to the University District and Ballard, Mayor Jenny Durkan and City Council members announced Tuesday.
- PUB DATE: 4/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Seattle Times - Metered Site

Fire crews extinguished a fire Tuesday afternoon at an abandoned church building on the 2900 block of East Olympic Avenue. The fire was reported at around 1:00pm, after witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the building. Crews responded to the scene, locating the fire coming from the church building.
- PUB DATE: 4/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

An Atlanta councilman says delays in fixing critical fire equipment is a concern, reports Fox 5.

Four ladder trucks as well as some engines are waiting on parts for repairs. Atlanta fire will send trucks from other stations to an incident, but the councilman is concerned that delays could have an impact.

A fire department official said that a study is being conducted to see what reserve equipment can be brought back online while mechanics wait on parts to arrive.

The Chicago Fire Department will no longer allow dogs at fire stations after a dog killed a family pet near an Englewood fire station, reports The Chicago Tribune.

A stray taken off the street was living at a fire station when the dog got out and killed a small dog being walked in the area.

Department officials will check with fire stations to ensure dogs have been removed.