Crews were dispatched to several brush fires reported along Interstate 5 in Thurston County on Wednesday morning. The fires were reported near exits 86, 94 and 97. By 12:15 p.m. most of the fires were out but Washington State Patrol was reporting two lanes were blocked near milepost 96. By 2 p.m., a few Department of Natural Resources and West Thurston firefighters were still on the scene to make sure hot spots were out.
- PUB DATE: 8/17/2017 2:08:26 AM - SOURCE: Olympian

Firefighter Robert Alexander always followed in his father’s footsteps — even in death. The 43-year-old — who worked on FDNY fire boats — died Monday of a brain tumor stemming from his time at Ground Zero. For Alexander, succumbing to a 9/11 illness is a heartbreaking family affair — a year earlier, his father Lt.
- PUB DATE: 8/17/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Daily News

An independent investigator has determined that the fire department suffers from a fractured leadership team and perceptions of racism and favoritism that are worsened by the "racial insensitivity" of Chief Thomas Ronalter. The monthslong review did not document racism in hiring or discipline, but concluded "it is not unreasonable that a minority firefighter could perceive the existence of racial bias.
- PUB DATE: 8/17/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Hartford Courant

After more than 30 hours, the massive air and sea search continues for five missing soldiers who were on board an Army chopper that crashed late Tuesday off Oahu. Rescuers are focusing their efforts on a debris field that's three to five miles offshore. "This is still a search and rescue mission. We are here to bring our soldiers home," said Lt Col.
- PUB DATE: 8/17/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Hawaii News Now