Following Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue’s (SRFR) switch to safer type of foam, fire suppressants used at all central county fire agencies are now free of hazardous “forever” chemicals. SRFR stopped using AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) in July 2023 after findings that the suppressant contains high concentrations of PFAs — chemicals that do not break down in either the environment or human body. “By transitioning to Novacool, a fluorine-free foam, we reduced long-term environmental risk while maintaining effective firefighting capability,” said Brett Fetcho, a SRFR deputy chief.

PFAs have been linked to thyroid disease, high cholesterol, birth defects, and several types of cancer. The chemicals migrate through groundwater, build up in the food chain, and are difficult to contain and clean up. The state banned the use of AFFF in 2018 for firefighter training, and the foam is no longer sold in Washington. But fire departments are allowed to use their existing stock. SRFR changed to Novacool in July 2023, removing 510 gallons of AFFF from its inventory.

Trimbune

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VIDEO: An early-morning fire forced a popular Fremont sports bar to close just days before the Super Bowl, leaving employees and fans waiting to see when it can reopen. Fire crews were called to Petoskey’s Sports Bar in the 120 block of N. 36th Street just after 6 a.m. Wednesday. Seattle Fire said crews found the fire burning in a crawl space beneath the building and were able to get it under control in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters said the blaze the damage extended into the interior. Employees at Petoskey’s said the damage appears to be concentrated in the back of the building where the kitchen is located. As a result, the bar is currently closed, including for Super Bowl Sunday. “We’re closed. We’re gonna be closed,” said general manager Garrison Highsmith, who added that plans for reopening remain uncertain.

KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

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VIDEO: The Scottsbluff Fire Department is ready to let go of its last fire engine that drove the town nearly a century ago.

The 1929 Red American La France Fire Engine was one of the Diamond T Chassis that served the community of Scottsbluff for nearly 40 years.

After retiring it’s recorded 2,965 miles of service in 1960, Scottsbluff Fire Chief Tom Schingle tells Wyoming News Now, the five foot tall and 27-foot-long timepiece is ready to make room for present day equipment, which has led to its listing on the auction market.

Scottsbluff Fire Chief Tom Schingle says, “Its primary function was strictly fire. Carried a hose, carried a little bit of water and that was about it. They really were kind of the center piece of a lot of towns, especially in that early time period. A lot of vehicles were all painted black and fire trucks were painted red, so they stood out.”

While fire rescue vehicles today and the ninety-six-year-old La France both serve the same purpose, fighting fires, Scottsbluff Fire Chief Tom Schingle says the six cylinder was able to meet community demands of the mid-20th century.

Wyoming News Now

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The Kennewick Fire Department quickly responded to a car fire at Kennewick Avenue and N. Waverly Pl. on February 3, 2026, at 3:34 p.m. Drivers passing by noticed flames coming from a car’s engine compartment, according to the Kennewick Fire Department’s Facebook post. The driver, heading east, experienced a sudden power loss and saw smoke. They safely pulled over and got out of the car.

A crew from Station 62 in north central Kennewick arrived in less than four minutes and put out the fire swiftly. No one was hurt, but the car was completely destroyed. In a statement, the Kennewick Fire Department and FEMA emphasized vehicle fire safety. They advise drivers to pull over safely, turn off the engine, and ensure everyone exits the car. Avoid returning to or attempting to extinguish a burning car. Drivers should not open the hood or trunk if a fire is suspected, as it can worsen the situation, the department noted. Everyone should stand at least 100 feet away from the burning car and traffic, and call 911.

KNDU Nonstop Local News

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VIDEO: Housed in the nearly 100-year-old Tulsa Fire Alarm Building, the Tulsa Fire Museum is developing a long-term interpretive plan that leaders say will guide smart growth and broaden public education efforts.

Local leaders say the effort comes at a critical moment as the museum outgrows its space and collection storage.

The Tulsa Fire Alarm Building was constructed in the 1930s and served as the city’s emergency communications hub, operating what was effectively the 911 system of its time.

Fire alarm boxes placed on street corners transmitted alerts to the building, which then dispatched fire trucks across the city.

The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is believed to be the only Art Deco building in the world built exclusively for firefighting operations.

Mike Ward, chair of the Tulsa Fire Museum, said the building has always been about service. “It was built as a building of service to firefighters and citizens,” Ward said. “That’s still what we’re doing today through history, education and community outreach.”

KOTV-DT CBS 6 Tulsa

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