A nationwide telecommunications company that slowed internet service to firefighters as they battled the largest wildfire in California history says it has removed all speed cap restrictions for first responders on the West Coast. Verizon Senior Vice President Mike Maiorana says the service restrictions were removed as of Thursday and include Hawaii, where emergency crews have rescued people from areas flooded by Hurricane Lane.
- PUB DATE: 8/24/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: ABC News

The City of Longview has appointed Jim Kambeitz its interim fire chief, effective Sept. 17. Kambeitz has been Longview's fire marshal for more than 15 years. "Jim has a strong work ethic and is well respected both within and outside the department," City Manager Kurt Sacha said in announcing the appointment.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2018 10:23:50 PM - SOURCE: Longview Daily News

Ontario (CA) Fire Department 101-foot tractor-drawn aerial. Severe Service XMFD tractor.

East County Fire and Rescue is asking voters in its area to consider lifting the cap on a property levy that would return the tax to a previous level. The fire department said in a statement that lifting the levy lid would revert it back to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value — the rate in 2008.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2018 8:33:23 PM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian

Nicole Burrow said fire season hits close to her heart. “I’ve always wanted to make an impact somehow, but didn’t know how,” Burrow said. Back in 2009, she woke up in the middle of the night to find her home was engulfed in flames. She lost everything. But that lose was paled in comparison to what would happen to her brother-in-law.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2018 6:43:47 PM - SOURCE: KAYU-TV MyFox Spokane