A new federal law aims to protect wildland firefighters by requiring agencies to outfit crews with GPS locators and deploy drones to scout out and map blazes. The Wildfire Management Technology Advancement Act, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., was signed by President Donald Trump last week after sailing through both chambers of Congress with large majorities.
- PUB DATE: 3/25/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Spokane Spokesman-Review

Harbor Springs (MI) Area Fire Department pumper. Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax-XS 1,500-gpm pump.

Summer is still months away, but many folks in Washington enjoyed a glimpse of it with record-high temperatures last week as we headed into the official start of spring. Sadly, Thursday also marked the beginning of another season for the state: wildfire season. Areas in Washington state are already dealing with an unusually high number of wildfires: 50 total, with 49 on the west side of the state, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
- PUB DATE: 3/24/2019 4:02:35 PM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

The Chehalis Fire Department will cease providing fire investigation services for Lewis County later this year after more than two decades of doing so. Chehalis Fire Chief Ken Cardinale wrote a letter to Lee Napier, community development director for Lewis County, dated March 20 that serves to trigger the 90-day notice of termination for the most recent interlocal agreement between the two departments.
- PUB DATE: 3/23/2019 2:58:32 PM - SOURCE: Centralia Chronicle

You know you’re getting close once you cross the bridge. There’s a general store and a chapel. And between the two, sits fire station 37. You know it’s Oso, because inside, you’ll find the Harper brothers. Willy is the Chief and Tim is the captain. This time of year is hard. The reason why is just down the road.
- PUB DATE: 3/22/2019 10:51:16 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13