New research from the University of Washington tackles fire forecasting -- all in an effort to better manage powerful wildfires in the future. Scientists hope that improved fire predictions can save more lives and homes. Intense wildfires can quickly grow out of control. Strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels can all contribute to extreme fire behavior.
- PUB DATE: 12/10/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

Faced with an unprecedented string of wildfires across California, overtime costs for firefighters have surged by 65% in the last decade, pushing annual wages to nearly $5 billion, according to a Times analysis of state payroll records. The overtime spending is further evidence of a statewide toll: Wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, killed scores of residents and disrupted power supplies across large swaths of the state — and, increasingly, they are chewing through government budgets.
- PUB DATE: 12/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Los Angeles Times - Metered Site

Summit Fire & EMS firefighter Ken Jones, 46, died after falling about 60 feet from the roof of a Copper Mountain condo building early Saturday, when crews were working to battle a fire at that location, according to Summit Fire & EMS officials. The fire at Bridge End — 860 Copper Road, near the base of Copper Mountain Resort — was first reported by a call to 911 at 1:51 a.
- PUB DATE: 12/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Summit Daily

Five minutes ago, Kassie Scott was driving the ambulance down Main Street with lights on and siren blaring, but now she and paramedic Steve Smith are parked in front of the response address, sitting in silence, waiting for the police to arrive. The caller said the person was violent. Scott and Smith are trained and equipped to save lives, not defend their own.
- PUB DATE: 12/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Firehouse

The firefighter and EMT union president in Washington D.C. is disputing recent claims by the East Chicago city administration as it justified controversial new shifts for city firefighters. Mayor Anthony Copeland and Fire Chief Anthony Serna recently told The Times the firefighters shifts were being changed to save taxpayer dollars, a move they claimed was successful in Washington, D.
- PUB DATE: 12/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Northwest Times