VIDEO: Within a year of a crash that killed two first responders and critically injured another, Lubbock Fire Rescue has taken steps to keep its personnel more secure when responding to crashes. Another tactic is in development. “We can’t sit there and allow tragedies to happen,” Lt. Phillip Grandon said.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCBD-TV NBC 11 Lubbock

Illinois Senate passes law extending protection measures for first responders and essential workers for another six months. The law established back in the spring allows essential workers and first responders to file for workers' compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 during the course of their employment.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WAND-TV NBC 17 Decatur

VIDEO: The state is warning people that Christmas tree burning is not permitted at the Kaneohe Bay sandbar and they’re promising enforcement of any violators. State conservation officers got a tip Saturday about a tree bonfire, but were unable to identify those involved. Video posted online showed a tree burning gathering with a large number of people with no masks or social distancing.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Hawaii News Now

Fresno firefighters are kicking off what could be another record breaking year. “Last year we had a huge record number of fire, everything, homeless specifically we saw like a 95% increase,” Shane Brown with the Fresno Fire Department said. The new year is not bringing any relief. Brown said so far there have been 223 fires in the city and 123 have been caused by homeless activity — A 71% increase from last year.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KGPE-TV CBS 47 Fresno

Wildfire smoke accounted for up to half of all health-damaging small particle air pollution in the western U.S. in recent years as warming temperatures fueled more destructive blazes, according to a study released Monday. Even as pollution emissions declined from other sources including vehicle exhaust and power plants, the amount from fires increased sharply, said researchers at Stanford University and the University of California, San Diego.
- PUB DATE: 1/12/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV Fox 13 Seattle