Two Austin firefighters received four-hour suspensions after damaging department equipment during incidents in May and June. The first happened on May 16 when fire specialist Chad Benestante closed a bay door on a fire engine while leaving a station to respond to a call, suspension paperwork said. The second happened on June 10 when firefighter Dustin Mills was working with an aerial ladder.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Austin American-Statesman

Braden Varney was coming home, but not in the way anyone expected. His body was going to be carried through his hometown in the back of a white SUV. Its destination: the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office. The Varney family has lived in Mariposa for decades, longer than anyone could remember, although no one could say exactly how long.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: SFGate.com

Spokane Valley Fire authorities said the Upriver Beacon Fire started as a structure fire and quickly spread to the northeast. Over the course of the evening, the fire was upgraded to a third alarm and Department of Natural Resources was asked to respond along with air support. At the height of the fight Tuesday afternoon, more than 50 support vehicles were assisting in extinguishing the fire.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KREM2

On July 5, EMS Chief Jerry Martin reported to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office that Dr. Michael Sullivan, the San Juan County medical program director, had allegedly recorded a conversation between them without Martin’s permission. In Washington state, it is illegal to electronically record a private conversation without all the speakers’ consent.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: San Juan Journal

The Mason County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday they believe the 15-plus wildfires they've had in a short period of time are "suspicious" and they're putting together a task force to investigate. Spokesman Ryan Spurling said there seems to be too many fires in a short period of time, even for hot, dry weather conditions.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCPQ/Q13 FOX