VIDEO: A retired firefighter is riding across country to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

John Martin, who was an engineer with the San Bernadino County Fire Department in California, is riding to honor victims every mile of his route leaving a dog tag with victims’ names on them.

He stopped by the Columbiana Fire Department Monday morning as part of his route.

He rides 9.11 miles a day, with his route ending at ground zero on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

“That’s something that this world, especially this country, since it happened on our soil, should never forget,” Martin said. “It’s not just words that should be taken to heart. Never forget means never forgetting.”

Martin said he is looking forward to arriving at ground zero. He expects it to be an emotional day.

WKBN-TV CBS 27 Youngstown

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Multiple detached structures burned, and the flames even spread to a nearby home after a fire started up in Auburn on Monday afternoon. Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) crews first reported being at the scene of a structure fire along 27th Street SE at around 2:45 p.m. on Monday. Crews reported that three detached structures were involved, with exposure to one residence.

By 3:15 p.m. VRFA confirmed that the fire was out, with no injuries reported. Firefighters remained on scene to extinguish any hot spots. Valley Regional Fire Authority thanked South King Fire, Puget Sound Fire, King County Medics, and Skyway Fire for their help. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

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A wildfire called the “Wagon Wheel Fire” is burning off SR 225 north of Benton City, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Level 2 evacuations have been issued in the area north of Corral Creek Road, West of State Route 225, East of Roza Road and South of Wagon Wheel Road according to Benton County Emergency Services.

“A level 2 evacuation means there is a significant threat in your area you and you should be prepared to leave at a moments notice if instructed to do so,” BCES said. “Residents with special needs, pets or livestock should take precautions now. If you feel unsafe at anytime evacuate the area.”

State Route 225 was closed between mileposts 2 and 5 in Benton City due to fire activity, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). A temporary evacuation center has been set up by the American Red Cross at Kiona Benton High School located at 1205 Horne Drive in Benton City.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and fire units arrived at the area of the grass fire at 1:03 p.m. and said “We are working with fire units to ensure they have access to work on fighting the fire, protecting life, animals and property.”

KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

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PHOTOS: Spokane Valley firefighters responded to a series of “suspicious” fires at Mirabeau Park on Monday morning. The Spokane Valley Fire Department called the fires “suspicious in nature” in a press release on Tuesday afternoon, saying it was investigating to determine their cause. The nine fires were discovered in multiple locations throughout the park and were similar to a series of intentionally set fires that occurred along the Centennial Trail last summer, the department said.

Mirabeau Park was also victim to several “suspicious” brush fires last summer. Firefighters at that season were able to contain the brush fires to under an acre. No injuries were reported and firefighters were able to contain the fires quickly after arriving, the department said. The investigation includes coordination with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Spokane County Fire District 4’s Arson K-9 Team. The arson detection dog, who is a member of the team, is trained to determine whether ignitable liquids were used to start the fires.

The department said that in response to “recent incidents” it would increase patrols along the Centennial Trail and Mirabeau Park. “These fires have the potential to threaten public safety, natural resources, and nearby property. We are asking the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious immediately,” Assistant Fire Marshal Ben Reece said. The Inland Northwest is in the midst of fire season, a time of heightened wildfire risk that has already led to dozens of regional wildfires in June alone, some of which have caused evacuations, destruction of property and loss of life.

KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

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