Two decades ago, a machine shed fire in rural Plymouth County might have taken one, maybe two, fire departments to put out the flames. But in 2019, it took five just to get enough manpower and water to put out the fire. No single department had enough available volunteers or resources. "The days where the butcher, the baker, and the horseshoe maker ran down the street when the fire whistle blew in town, that doesn't happen anymore," Le Mars Fire Chief David Schipper said.
- PUB DATE: 1/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Des Moines Register

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House that aims to help veteran firefighters. Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and Congressman Don Bacon (R-Nebraska-02), a U.S. Air Force veteran, introduced the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act on Thursday. It aims to provide veteran firefighters with the compensation, health care, and retirement benefits they earned with their military service.
- PUB DATE: 1/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WVIR-TV NBC/CW+ 29 Charlottesville

PHOTO: Longview firefighters rescued a 17-year-old girl from a burning home Monday night. According to Longview Police and Fire, emergency personnel responded to a reported house fire in the 300 block of 16th Avenue shortly before 9 p.m. The 911 caller said there was smoke coming from a home and the caller was not sure if the occupants were out.
- PUB DATE: 1/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KATU-TV ABC 2

After 44 years in the Fire Service, Fire Chief Gary Meek has retired. Meek served as the Fire Chief for Snohomish County Fire District 7 for the last nine years, and his final day was on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, according to a statement from the Snohomish County Fire District 7. "It has been an honor being trusted to serve the citizens of Fire District 7," Meek said in a statement.
- PUB DATE: 1/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Mill Creek Beacon - Metered Site

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to a fire in a South Hill residence Saturday morning. According to SFD, the resident was returning home when he discovered a fire on the bathroom ceiling. The smoke alarms sounded, and when fire crews arrived, the resident and his dog had already escaped.
- PUB DATE: 1/19/2020 7:38:27 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4