For years, the department has lacked manpower in emergency situations, making response times longer when timing is crucial. Lives could be in danger in Georgetown County, where firehouses face chronic manpower shortages. In some cases, fire engines continually go out with only one firefighter on the truck, while national standards call for a minimum of four.
- PUB DATE: 7/17/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Myrtle Beach Online

The city of Oakland, California, will pay more than $32 million to settle lawsuits brought on behalf of victims of the deadly 2016 "Ghost Ship" fire in which 36 people died, officials announced. "This was a horrific tragedy that deeply impacted every corner of our community," a statement from the city attorney's office said.
- PUB DATE: 7/17/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NBC News

The Magic City will host the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG), an event featuring more than 10,000 first responders competing in 1,600 medal events, from June 27 to July 6, 2025. The city’s successful bid for the event was announced in May by local officials and The World Police and Fire Games Federation.
- PUB DATE: 7/17/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Village Living Online

VIDEO: A massive 4-alarm fire tore through a waterfront apartment complex under construction in Everett Thursday, creating a raging inferno that damaged two homes up a nearby hill and partially burning an ambulance and fire truck that had responded to the scene. The fire in one of the two large buildings broke out around 5:45 p.
- PUB DATE: 7/17/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000 Seattle

The Yakima Health District says there are over 9,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Yakima County. As of Thursday evening, YHD says there was an increase of 371 virus cases, totaling to 9,202 cases. Health officials say 158 cases are from recent testings and 213 cases were from May 20 to July 10 from Yakama Indian Health Services.
- PUB DATE: 7/17/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS News Yakima