Firefighters weren’t paying attention and hadn’t been properly trained when a brand new $1.1 million fire truck was seriously damaged and put out of service during a training exercise in October, according to a report released Friday. Fire Chief James Wilson has been directed to immediately establish new standard operating guidelines that also were found lacking after the truck’s 107-foot aerial ladder hit an overhead power line, sending an electrical current that destroyed the truck’s complex wiring systems and sparked a fire on the right front tire.
- PUB DATE: 12/10/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Portland Press Herald

The union representing city firefighters will challenge an order dismissing an unfair labor practice complaint filed over the demotion of former assistant chief Thomas Makar. The complaint alleged Makar, an assistant chief for 12 years, did not retain his appointed position because of his criticism of the city on social media.
- PUB DATE: 12/10/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Wilkes Barre Times Leader

A minor traffic dispute turned deadly for an off-duty firefighter Sunday when he and another driver pulled off the road to sort it out and the raging motorist killed him, law-enforcement sources said. The fatal dust-up occurred as 33-year-old Bravest Faizal Coto was headed eastbound on the Belt Parkway near Bay 8th Street in Bath Beach around 4:45 a.
- PUB DATE: 12/10/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Post

The Blissfield Township Fire Department caught on fire around 6:30 this morning. According to the Blissfield Fire Chief Dale Fruchui, there was heavy smoke and fire in the attic and in the truck bay. Riga, Palmyra, Deerfield and Madison Township Fire Departments were called to assist. Three firefighters were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but we're told they're okay.
- PUB DATE: 12/10/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTVG-TV 13abc Toledo

An Airway Heights family lost their home in a fire Sunday night. The fire started at a mobile home in the Vietzke Mobile Home Park, on South Craig Road, shortly after 8 p.m. Some neighbors packed their things, fearing the fire would spread to their homes. Crews quickly responded and prevented the fire from damaging any other homes though.
- PUB DATE: 12/9/2018 10:23:02 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4