Firefighters and hazardous materials crews were called to an apartment building near Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market on Tuesday. Just after 12:30 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department said the hazmat team was responding to the 90 block of Union Street to investigate an unknown substance in an apartment.

Shortly after, the department said one person was being treated at the scene and was in stable condition, and that crews had entered the building to investigate. Inside the apartment, hazmat crews identified a small container of hydrofluoric acid that made contact with stainless steel, causing it to heat up and give off gas in a confined space. Hydrofluoric acid is a clear, highly toxic, and extremely corrosive liquid solution.

KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

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Drones have officially joined the ranks of first responders in Snohomish County, according to the sheriff’s office Monday. In a press release, Sheriff Susanna Johnson explained that the drones will not replace the response of emergency medical crews or deputies, but will help crews learn about the scene and what is needed before they arrive.
“This pilot is about getting our first responders better information, faster,” Johnson said in the statement. “When deputies are responding to a crime in progress, a dangerous suspect, a missing person, or another rapidly evolving emergency, knowing what is happening before they arrive can make a significant difference. It can improve officer safety, de-escalation, help us use our resources more effectively, and ultimately improve the service we provide to our community.”

KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

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A child is recovering from serious injuries after numerous rescuers hiked out several miles to stabilize them and call in a medical helicopter on Saturday.

According to Kittitas County fire officials, in the afternoon of September 12 a child was seriously injured in a fall at the Red Mountain Agate beds. Bystanders called emergency services, and first responders from Kittitas County Fire District 7, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Kittitas County Search and Rescue, the United States Forest Service and Upper Kittitas County Medic One mobilized to help the child.

Officials said about 30 emergency responders gathered to carry out the rescue operation. Because of the remote location where the child was injured, responders had to hike several miles to reach them. When rescuers reached the child, officials said a medical helicopter was called in to land nearby. Responders were able to load the child onto the helicopter, which took them to a trauma center.

Apple Valley News Now

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe needs new tools after a severe heatwave, proposing a Heatwave Plan and a future EU firefighting fleet.

The post EU Plans New Firefighting Fleet After Deadly Summer Heat Wave appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company in Lycoming County received a $1 million state grant to build a flood-resistant new firehouse.

The post Trout Run (PA) Volunteer Fire Company Receives $1M Grant for New Firehouse appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.