Welcome to the first wave, Spokane. Gov. Jay Inslee visited Spokane on Thursday amid soaring COVID-19 infection rates that are higher than they’ve ever been and increasing hospitalizations. What he found was equal parts disheartening and hopeful. “Spokane is right on the verge of a very dire situation because of this pandemic,” Inslee said.
- PUB DATE: 6/26/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Spokesman-Review - Metered Site

A series of arsons in South Seattle has triggered an alert from fire officials, who say businesses and residents should take steps to prevent more of the deliberately set fires. At least eight of the arsons occurred Monday through Wednesday, and the majority of them were located along or near Rainier Avenue South.
- PUB DATE: 6/25/2020 8:34:27 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

The Washington State Department of Health on Wednesday reported 483 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nine additional deaths. Statewide totals have reached 29,869 cases and 1,293 deaths, up from 29,386 cases and 1,284 deaths on Tuesday. King County continues to be the hardest hit with 9,453 cases and 604 deaths.
- PUB DATE: 6/25/2020 3:15:14 AM - SOURCE: Olympian

City public safety officials and Mayor Bill Peduto on Wednesday showed off a new “silent” alarm system that alerts only the fire and EMS stations that are being dispatched to the call, rather than blasting the call on a radio for every station and first responder on duty to hear. The $2.8 million, decade-in-the-making alarm system will cut down first responders’ stress levels and streamline services, officials said.
- PUB DATE: 6/25/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Pittsburgh Post Gazette

VIDEO: A man working atop the iconic Fresno State water tower had to be rushed to the hospital today after being overcome with heat, eventually going into cardiac arrest. "The extended work period up on top there, the strenuous work that they were doing with the heat and the high humidity today, it just overcame him," said Battalion Chief Mike Gibson of the Fresno Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 6/25/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KFSN-TV ABC 30 Fresno