The Vancouver Fire Department has purchased an early holiday present in the form of new heavy extrication equipment for its technical rescue team. Paratech Hydrafusion Struts will allow the department’s firefighters to rescue trapped motorists quickly and safely, as they’re able to stabilize up to 20,000 pounds and actively lift 10 tons.
- PUB DATE: 12/24/2020 6:16:02 PM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian - Metered Site

VIDEO: A De Soto recycling plant was destroyed in a fire Tuesday night. A view from Sky5 around 6:30 p.m. showed massive flames at the Proud Veteran Resources and Recycling. Several fire trucks could be seen spraying water on the flames. By about 7:45 p.m., it appeared firefighters were able to extinguish most of the heavy flames.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KSDK-TV NBC 5 St. Louis

Everyone remembers the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but the blaze that left over 300 dead and thousands homeless was not the last disaster to scorch the city — not by a long shot. On Dec. 22, 1910, a fire broke out at the Morris and Co. meatpacking plant at the Union Stockyards, burning out of control despite the efforts of many heroic firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Chicago Sun Times - Metered Site

New Orleans residents and visitors having emergencies can now talk to first responders by video when they call or text 911, thanks to a program city officials say will be a big help for people in crisis. The Orleans Parish Communications District, which handles the city's emergency dispatches and 911 calls, will also be able to better determine a person's location using upgraded software from its private partner, Carbyne, a call handling platform.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Nola.com

Steve Buscemi hosted a virtual fireside chat on Tuesday in support of Friends of Firefighters, which offers essential programs and services to help active and retired firefighters and their families support, prioritize and clearly communicate their physical and mental health needs during stressful times.
- PUB DATE: 12/23/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Hollywood Reporter