Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue has hired two, new full-time firefighters. It will help staff the district’s west-end response. Firefighter/paramedic Erik Sundin and Firefighter/EMT Elizabeth Hagaman started work on Tuesday. Their positions are being funded by a levy lid lift approved by voters last summer. Chief Jake Patterson says one of the goals with the increased funding was to improve response and staffing for the west end of the district.
- PUB DATE: 1/22/2021 8:10:13 AM - SOURCE: KONP-AM 1490

A woman and a 2-year-old child were rescued by firefighters Wednesday night, Jan.20 after a garage fire spread throughout an Auburn home. Around 11:40 p.m. near the 30100 block of 50th Lane S., crews from South King Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a possible fire at a townhome, said Capt. Brad Chaney of South King Fire and Rescue.
- PUB DATE: 1/22/2021 7:28:03 AM - SOURCE: Kent Reporter

Buying a new fire truck, or even a used one, can be an expensive proposition for a fire district. But Grant County Fire District 5 officials found an innovative way to cut costs and get exactly the truck they want in the bargain. District officials take a do-it-yourself approach, purchasing a truck chassis and customizing it from the axles up.
- PUB DATE: 1/22/2021 1:13:11 AM - SOURCE: Columbia Basin Herald

VIDEO: A massive fire at a potato plant in Walden brought fears of an exploding ammonia tank, forcing the evacuation of nearly a third of the town for several hours. The fire broke out at the Washington Potato Plant around 5:30 p.m. in one of the dehydrators, according to Kyle Foreman with the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
- PUB DATE: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

Andrea Hall, a career firefighter and union leader from Fulton County, Ga., led the Pledge of Allegiance during the inauguration of President-elect Biden. Hall recited the familiar words of the pledge out loud and in American Sign Language. According to The 19th, a nonprofit news organization, Hall was the first Black woman hired and assigned to a station at the City of Albany Fire Department, and then the first Black woman to serve as fire captain at Fulton County Fire Rescue.
- PUB DATE: 1/22/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NPR.org