The city could more wisely spend the $1.1 billion it costs to provide emergency medical services, a budget watchdog group says, in part by reducing the role fire engines play in responding to 911 calls — and then considering whether it really needs all of its engine companies. In a new report, the Citizens Budget Commission recommends ultimately reducing the number of engine companies, which for years has been a political nonstarter.
- PUB DATE: 11/26/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Daily News

Fire departments are the latest institution reacting to the continuing population growth across the Tri-Cities. Pasco and West Richland cemented plans to expand their reach by opening new fire stations during the next few years. Kennewick included plans for expansion in its budget. The Tri-City metro population topped 290,000 in 2017 and is expected to cross 300,000 this year.
- PUB DATE: 11/26/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Tri-City Herald

Firefighters from the Port Angeles Fire Department and Clallam Fire District No. 2 prevented a fire from causing major damage at Sunrise Meats over the weekend. The cause of the fire that stopped traffic on First Street late Saturday night remained under investigation Sunday. When firefighters arrived to the fire at 11:10 p.
- PUB DATE: 11/25/2018 10:22:53 PM - SOURCE: Port Angeles Peninsula Daily News

Buffalo Township, Louisiana, MO, tanker. Freightliner M2 cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 350-hp engine; Waterous CSU 1,500-gpm pump.

The 2019-20 Tacoma city budget — approved Tuesday by the City Council — includes two new fines. The first is a $150 penalty for a false fire alarm at a residence and $250 at a commercial building. The second imposes up to $850 when a skilled nursing facility or assisted living center calls the Fire Department or its contractors to lift a fallen resident when no other medical service is needed.
- PUB DATE: 11/23/2018 4:04:32 PM - SOURCE: Tacoma News Tribune