Researchers are working to develop and test a tool to help COVID-19 responders in mental distress. The project was one of 14 at the University of South Florida to receive funding. “The key idea is developing this thing that will interact between people in need and all the resources that exist, it will be that go-between,” said assistant professor Jerome Galea.
- PUB DATE: 9/11/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WFTS-TV ABC 28 Tampa

Troopers with the Washington State Patrol on Thursday said they have arrested a second person for intentionally starting a brush fire in Pierce County. Troopers said someone saw a man setting fire to grass with a match near State Route 512 and State Route 7 and called police. Troopers arrived at the scene, chased the man, and took him into custody.
- PUB DATE: 9/11/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

Windy conditions around the Inland Northwest sparked more than a dozen wildfires over Labor Day weekend. Hundreds of thousands of acres are still burning on Friday. Tens of thousands of acres are also burning in North Idaho from at least seven wildfires. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a statewide emergency due to the ongoing wildfires burning across the state.
- PUB DATE: 9/11/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2 Spokane

A chemical plant fire just south of Walburg prompted shelter-in-place orders that were lifted after about three hours Thursday afternoon. Williamson County officials said Friday the fire at the CPI Products plant on Farm to Market Road 1105 is 99% contained, and fire crews are making sure a smoldering palette of cardboard doesn’t flare up.
- PUB DATE: 9/11/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXAN-TV NBC 36 Austin

The city of Vancouver has selected a new chief to lead the Vancouver Fire Department. Brennan Blue, formerly a chief firefighting officer in Southern California, was hired to lead the VFD starting Sept. 24. He replaces former Chief Joe Molina, who’s retiring after 12 years with the department and 28 years in fire service.
- PUB DATE: 9/10/2020 8:40:00 PM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian