A North Carolina county has given a rural volunteer fire department an ultimatum after its refusal to take down a Confederate flag waving over its station. The Charlotte Observer reports that Montgomery County commissioners have decided to restrict funding for the Uwharrie Volunteer Fire Department if it will not take the flag down and end a dispute that has simmered for months.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Charlotte Observer

The 80 new firefighters Columbus plans to hire next year could be among the first to really understand the risk of cancer they face on the job. For the 50 city firefighters who are expected to retire in 2018 and thousands of others, it could be too late. For years, firefighters have shed their masks and other gear after flames were knocked down, not knowing they were breathing carcinogens and exposing their skin to chemicals that could lead to cancer.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FireRescue1

Every detail of Vancouver’s new Fire Station 1 and 2 has been planned to increase efficiency and ensure the stations will better serve the community. “These stations are designed to meet our current and future service needs as well as address our diverse workforce safety and operational needs for the foreseeable future,” Vancouver Deputy Fire Chief Doug Koellermeier said.
- PUB DATE: 11/16/2017 8:56:32 PM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian

For members of Richland’s firefighter union, Christmas is a little less joyful. Officials with Local 1052 said it would no longer sell Christmas trees as a community fundraiser. “We’re in a bit of a dull mood today,” officials said on Richland Fire & Emergency Services’ Facebook page when it announced the news.
- PUB DATE: 11/16/2017 12:49:30 PM - SOURCE: Mid-Columbia Tri-City Herald

The recent mass shootings at a church in Sugarland Springs, Texas and a country music concert in Las Vegas prove it can happen anywhere. “We know that something like this is going to happen sooner or later in one of our communities,” said Battalion Chief Douglas Knight with the Northshore Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 11/16/2017 9:11:55 AM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13