The Inland Northwest could be in for a highly active fire season this summer, despite several weeks of relatively cool, wet weather, regional fire and weather experts say. After a somewhat dry winter and early spring in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, weather patterns have turned wetter in recent weeks, with parts of northeastern Washington receiving 8 inches of rain within the last month.
- PUB DATE: 6/21/2020 5:07:01 AM - SOURCE: Spokane Spokesman-Review

The Spokane Fire Department is noticing an alarming trend. Arson around the city has increased 100 percent. In June 2019, firefighters had responded to 20 arson related fires. This June, that number is 40. “That is a remarkable increase and something we don’t normally see,” said Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.
- PUB DATE: 6/19/2020 11:41:32 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

VIDEO: Firefighters battled a massive house fire in Billerica Thursday evening that left the home a total loss. Crews responding to the scene on Riveredge Road found smoke and flames pouring out of the house. “I was sleeping on the farmer’s porch and the smoke just came out right around me,” homeowner Rob Rawson said.
- PUB DATE: 6/19/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WHDH-TV 7 Boston

The union representing Baltimore's firefighters is calling on residents living in certain neighborhoods to oppose possible firehouse closures. The two firehouses slated to close are Engine 4 on Cold Spring Lane in north Baltimore and Engine 55 on Bush Street in Pigtown. The city fire union said both companies are responsible for bringing water to fires and have life-saving medical equipment.
- PUB DATE: 6/19/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WBAL-TV NBC 11 Baltimore

After a serious storm, it's not uncommon to see the world come to a standstill. Traffic lights often go out, homes are ruined and businesses stay closed, but one restaurant tends to stay operational and consistent, despite the chaos and damage. In many places, Waffle House has become synonymous with stormy skies; the business is able to make decisions in the face of serious storms that have caught the eye of first responders and federal officials like Craig Fugate.
- PUB DATE: 6/19/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WPEC-TV CBS 12 West Palm Beach