One of the biggest challenges facing firefighters across Alaska in the 2019 fire season was smoke. The thick smoke that blanketed much of Alaska made firefighting efforts difficult. Much of firefighting is conducted from the air. Tankers and helicopters drop water and retardant on fires. Fire crews use aircraft to map the blazes, and supplies are dropped in from the air.
- PUB DATE: 8/2/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Webcenter11 Fairbanks

PHOTO: A pristine patch from Renton Fire placed some 4,500 miles away along the emerald shores of western Ireland is stirring memories of a fallen firefighter, and the journeys firefighters take in serving the community. A recent traveler to Ireland's Cliff of Moher snapped a photo of the Renton Fire patch and wristband strapped along a fence, and sent it to Renton Fire officials with a note simply stating they thought they'd like to see it.
- PUB DATE: 8/2/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

Fire District 4 is using a new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. An SCBA is a piece of personal protective equipment used by firefighters to breath clean air in smokey, hazardous environments. The new devices were commissioned to meet current National Fire Protection Association Standards. The masks are larger, providing more visibility to the user.
- PUB DATE: 8/2/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4

Spokane’s wildfire season has been mild, helped by colder weather, but firefighters are ready for a late start. “We’ve been blessed so far,” Spokane Fire Department Chief Brian Schaeffer said. Among other benefits, Schaeffer said the slow wildfire season has saved money for the fire department, noting that the department’s budget for overtime for firefighters is $240,000 less today than it was last year.
- PUB DATE: 8/1/2019 10:52:55 PM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian

VIDEO: A fast-spreading wildfire in the Union area forced evacuations Thursday evening. Officials said the fire was burning uphill from SR 106. No structures had been impacted as of Thursday night, but the fire prompted Level 3 evacuations in the following areas: E. 2nd, 3rd and 4th streets; E. Main Street, E.
- PUB DATE: 8/1/2019 9:51:36 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13