Perimeter Solutions, a leading global manufacturer of high-quality fire retardant, announced today the appointment of Jim Karels as its new Agency Liaison. Karels, with over 45 years of experience in wildland fire and forest management, is set to succeed Ron Raley, who retired in late 2023. Karels’ career spans roles with the US Forest Service (USFS), the Florida Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), where he served as the National Fire Director.
- PUB DATE: 2/2/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Fire and Safety Journal Americas

West Richland firefighters are reeling from the death of one of their own Friday after he collapsed at home. Benton County Fire District 4 Lt. Aaron Meloy, 37, was discovered at his Cottonwood Loop home in Richland about 11 a.m. An autopsy was conducted over the weekend because of his age and the circumstances of his death, Coroner Bill Leach said.
- PUB DATE: 2/2/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Tri-City Herald - Metered Site

Firefighters rescued one person and quickly knocked down an apartment fire believed to have been caused by improperly discarded smoking materials Wednesday, the Seattle Fire Department says. Crews were called to the address of the Caroline W. apartments around 11:20 AM to a report of a fire on the second floor of the five-story building developed by the Community House mental health agency as housing for tenants recovering from homelessness and mental illness.
- PUB DATE: 2/2/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Capitol Hill Seattle Blog

A Williamstown volunteer firefighter is recovering after being caught in a ceiling collapse and flashover at a fire that broke out on Humes Ridge Road Tuesday evening. Matt Combs is seen on the body cam of another firefighter rolling out of the burning building, still on fire. “Matt’s coming out of the structure.
- PUB DATE: 2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WLWT-TV NBC 5 Cincinnati

A Colorado woman and her family have made a petition to create a fallen firefighter specialty license plate in honor of her husband who died in 2021. Yuma firefighter Darcy Stallings was responding to a fire in October 2021 when he was involved in a deadly car crash. Darcy was described as a highly respected firefighter and a person who loved every minute of his job.
- PUB DATE: 2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KDVR-TV FOX 31 Denver