Forty-one first responders were killed by distracted drivers while on the side of the road in 2018, a 60% increase from 2017 according to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. As of May 2019, 21 firefighters have died due to people driving distracted in areas where firefighters are responding to incidents.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2019 10:30:51 AM - SOURCE: KAYU-TV Fox 28 Spokane

One of the last days of school for Emerson Elementary School in Hoquiam will probably be a memorable one for its students as they got to explore different types of trucks and cars on Vehicle Day Thursday. A school tradition since 1994, Vehicle Day brings the students of Emerson Elementary out of the classroom and onto the playground where various cars and trucks were available for their perusal.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2019 10:30:50 AM - SOURCE: The Daily World

Fire authorities have drafted a petition to ban consumer fireworks in parts of south Snohomish County where they aren’t already illegal. Commissioners for South County Fire approved the petition last week. They sent the request to the Snohomish County Council, which has the authority to ban the sale and use of fireworks outside city limits.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2019 2:41:39 AM - SOURCE: Everett Herald

Brace yourself, Western Washington: The state Department of Natural Resources warns this year’s wildfire season is going to be a doozy. DNR has already reported 478 wildfires; 187 of them have been on our side of the state. “The recent spike in temperatures is only going to make things worse,” state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz recently told our Editorial Board.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2019 1:45:02 AM - SOURCE: Tacoma News Tribune

Strong winds drove a brush fire to a little over 5 acres Friday night near Wapato Lake Road, according to Chelan County Fire District 5. Firefighters were called out shortly before 10 p.m. to the blaze, started by a transformer, Fire Chief Arnold Baker said. If it weren't for the wind, he said, "we wouldn't have had an incident.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2019 3:15:52 PM - SOURCE: Wenatchee World