VIDEO: A massive fire early Thursday consumed 613 Automotive, a used car dealership at the south end of the village that was being used as the staging area and a set for the filming of an HBO miniseries. Ellenville Police Chief Phil Mattracion said the cause of the 1 a.m. fire at 188 S. Main St. (U.S.
- PUB DATE: 5/10/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Daily Freeman

Rhode Island’s public employee unions have again scored a victory in the state’s Democrat-dominated General Assembly. In a series of final votes on Thursday, state lawmakers approved bills to mandate time-and-a-half pay to firefighters who average more than 42 hours a week and to lock in the wages and benefits in expired teacher and municipal public employee contracts until a new contract is in place.
- PUB DATE: 5/10/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Providence Journal - Metered Site

Around the U.S., many police departments, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other first responders are experiencing a shortage in staff. Fire Marshal Ricky Shores said Columbus Fire and EMS is currently about 25 people short and they only hire once a year. Shores said when Columbus Fire and EMS are at full staff, they have roughly 100 people on board.
- PUB DATE: 5/10/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTVM-TV ABC 9

It's a sign that another flame-and-smoke-filled wildfire season is upon us. Effective Friday, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is increasing the fire danger rating from "low" to "moderate" for ten Eastern Washington fire danger rating areas. It's a brand new system being put into place this fire season based on the distinct landscapes on this side of Washington and how the wind tends to blow through those areas (canyons, valleys, etc.
- PUB DATE: 5/9/2019 4:56:04 PM - SOURCE: YakTriNews

Lakes and rivers will be popular destinations across the region this weekend with temperatures expected to soar well into the 80s. Rescue drones, a new tool unveiled by Firefighters with Eastside Fire & Rescue Wednesday, will help with water rescues, wildfires, and search operations. Three drones may be used to determine how many resources are needed during wildfire, search and rescue operations, firefighters said.
- PUB DATE: 5/9/2019 4:51:27 PM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000