In the last 20 years, the Spokane Valley Fire Department hasn’t had any women firefighters in the department. That changed this summer, when the department signed on two women firefighters as part of a group of 14 new recruits. Fire Chief Bryan Collins said he’s been focusing on increasing the department’s diversity.
- PUB DATE: 9/4/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Spokesman-Review - Metered Site

Washington is the best state to work in during the COVID-19 pandemic according to a new report released Wednesday by Oxfam America. The report looks at how states are helping working and unemployed families during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is broken down into three categories: worker protections, healthcare, and unemployment support.
- PUB DATE: 9/4/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

State forest managers are urging people to be careful with fires as they fan out across Washington state for a hot, dry Labor Day weekend. “The risk that is out there because of human-caused fires is up tremendously,” said Washington State Forester George Geissler. He said people who are new to the outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic need to be especially cautious, and everyone should take note of burn bans.
- PUB DATE: 9/4/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

The Evans Canyon fire just outside of Naches has ballooned to more than 52,000 acres in Yakima County - more than quadrupling in size over 24 hours. The fire was still 0 percent contained as of Thursday morning, but emergency management officials say the 440 firefighters working the fire lines have made good progress.
- PUB DATE: 9/3/2020 9:11:01 AM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13 Seattle

VIDEO: Flames engulfed a condemned church building Wednesday evening in downtown Rockford. Several Rockford Fire Department engine companies were on the scene, fighting the blaze at Kishwaukee and Walnut streets and First Avenue. The fire sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky over downtown Rockford.
- PUB DATE: 9/3/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Rockford Register Star