Republicans in the state Senate advanced a bill Wednesday to restrict the use of firefighting foam containing certain PFAS compounds but rejected a Democratic proposal to expand regulation of the synthetic chemicals that have been found in drinking water throughout the state. The Senate’s GOP-led natural resources committee voted 3-2 along party lines to approve the bill, authored by Sen.
- PUB DATE: 1/9/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Kenosha News

With a potential winter storm coming this weekend many are just starting to prepare for major snow, but fire and emergency officials have been preparing since October and November. "We have full size iron chains for the drivers, the vehicles have studded tires to help us get around," said Chief Lonnie Click of Benton County Fire District 1.
- PUB DATE: 1/8/2020 7:38:37 PM - SOURCE: NBCRightNow.com

Firefighters from across the Tri-Cities are raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ahead of the Seattle Stairclimb. The Pasco Fire Department has teamed up with other departments and districts to collect funds for the cause. For many of them, they have a personal stake in the charity. “It means we’re helping someone,” said Ty Schoenwald, a Pasco firefighter.
- PUB DATE: 1/8/2020 5:42:04 PM - SOURCE: YakTriNews

The Spokane Fire Department has sent out a statement regarding their assistance to the bushfires currently raging in Australia. Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer shared a photo of the statement on Twitter on Wednesday, January 8. "Having experienced firsthand the devastation that wildfires can create, we share your concern about the tragic wildfires currently ravaging Australia.
- PUB DATE: 1/8/2020 3:37:33 PM - SOURCE: KHQ-TV NBC 6

A southwest Washington fire district swore in Kristan Maurer as its first female fire chief Tuesday night. Maurer grew up in Houston, Texas. Her family moved to Washington, where she went to Battle Ground High School. It was during a four-year paramedic program at Central Washington University where she first rode along with fire departments.
- PUB DATE: 1/8/2020 12:47:48 PM - SOURCE: OPB