VIDEO: Several Central Texas fire departments have adopted a new wildfire risk modeling tool to help firefighters better prepare and mitigate wildfire threats. The ‘Mitigate’ platform, developed by the company FiSci, uses proprietary AI and predictive analytics—combining detailed data on vegetation, weather patterns, and topography—to generate highly detailed maps that simulate how a wildfire could spread and intensify across specific areas.

Travis County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Ken Bailey said the technology helps firefighters take a more strategic approach when facing high‑risk conditions.

“Stuff like this allows us to really think about how we are deploying our resources,” Bailey said. ” [For example] what’s the probability it’s going to jump over and then threaten [a] neighborhood? By running these simulations, we get a higher sense of what our risks are.” Bailey added that the tool can also help agencies test mitigation options, that simulate how actions such shaded fuel breaks, vegetation management, or changes to roadway access could alter fire’s path.

KXAN-TV NBC 36 Austin

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The Spokane County Fire District 8 alerted the public in a social media post that they’d be holding a training session alongside law enforcement at Valleyford Community Church beginning Monday. The training will take place from February 23 through 25. “Law enforcement vehicles, along with fire apparatus will be parked at the training site,” SCFD said. “There is NO emergency happening.”

KAYU-TV FOX 28 Spokane

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A tractor-trailer T-boned a Perry Area (MI) Fire Department apparatus that was blocking the freeway. The semi had slowed sufficiently before impact, resulting in only minor damage to the rig. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.

The post Three Tractor-Trailers Crash in Same Icy Spot, Damaging Fire Truck and Police Car appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

A tractor-trailer T-boned a Perry Area (MI) Fire Department apparatus that was blocking the freeway. The semi had slowed sufficiently before impact, resulting in only minor damage to the rig. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.

The post Three Tractor-Trailers Crash in Same Icy Spot, Damaging Fire, Police Vehicles appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

A shop and apartment at 1024 Cedar Springs were destroyed by a fire on February 18, 2026. The Northside Fire District responded to the scene around 3:45 p.m., according to a news release. The fire was reported to have engulfed the building, prompting automatic aid from Selkirk Fire and Sandpoint Fire. A water tender was also requested from South Boundary Fire Protection District under mutual aid.

Firefighters faced challenging road conditions, including heavy snowfall and ice. The first arriving fire engine could not reach the fire directly, so crews stretched supply hoses to fight the blaze. Upon arrival, crews found the 40-by-60-foot structure fully involved with fire. Firefighters initially worked to protect surrounding exposures before extinguishing the blaze. Despite their efforts, the building was a total loss.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the incident and was treated at a local hospital. The firefighter was released later that evening and is expected to recover fully. The incident concluded around 9:30 p.m. The Northside Fire District expressed gratitude to BCEMS for their care and to Timberlake Fire and Sam Owen Fire for their support.

KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

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