Through the implementation of Task Force Response procedures, the Columbus Fire Department has made headway in regard to being more efficient with its overall response time to a variety of emergency situations happening throughout the Columbus community. On Monday evening, Fire Chief Dan Miller spoke during a Committee of the Whole Meeting held prior to the scheduled Columbus City Council meeting about how some procedural shifts have resulted in more efficiency, which ultimately can mean the difference between life and death.
- PUB DATE: 12/6/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Columbus Telegram

A large gas spill shut down an intersection in Spokane Valley during the Thursday morning commute. The spill happened near the North Sullivan Rd. and East Indiana Avenue intersection at about 7 a.m. The northbound lanes and one southbound lane of Sullivan Road were reopened at about 12:15 p.m. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office reported that one truck was unable to stop and rear-ended the a tanker truck, which had stopped for traffic.
- PUB DATE: 12/6/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KREM-TV

For many, there's nothing more cozy than laying next to your fireplace and putting the finishing touches on your Christmas tree. But local fire crews say one mistake could have your home in flames. Numbers from last year show Yakima fire crews dealt with more house fires during the holidays than in the summer time.
- PUB DATE: 12/5/2018 8:09:45 PM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS 29 Yakima

JK Lockwood Construction had the highest-scoring proposal and submitted the lowest of seven bids for the renovation of Station 24, staff said. The station is at 1000 River Park Boulevard, Woodstock. Commissioners also approved a 15 percent contingency, $64,155, in the event of additional, unforeseen repairs.

Separately, commissioners accepted a $338,486 insurance payout from One Beacon for Fire Engine 24, totaled in an accident, and the $438,590 purchase of a new engine from Fireline Inc. The totaled unit was acquired in September 2016 for $398,219, and was deployed about a year and had less than 10,000 miles on the odometer when it was in the accident, staff said.

The volunteer fire department with 15 active members has already sold a 1998 diesel pickup that needed repairs to its cab, and firefighters are now working to sell a 1982 fire engine as they continue to seek donations to support their responses to 250 to 300 calls for service each year.

"We get a lot of our budget through fundraising … but it’s pretty much up to us to keep it running,” Speegleville VFD Assistant Chief Kevin Merritt said. “We are hoping with the sale of these two vehicles, we might get between $7,000 and $10,000 total."

The new brush truck is expected to cost between $50,000 and $55,000, Merritt said. While the ‘82 engine is memorable, the cost of repairs it would need to stay in service outweigh the benefits, he said.