Lithium batteries typically aren't allowed in landfills, but many still make it into the garbage stream. Exploding lithium-ion batteries are leading to more fires in Oregon’s landfills and recycling centers, prompting action from state and local governments. Deschutes County Solid Waste Director Tim Brownell said his county’s landfill has seen 21 lithium-related fires in the past three months.
- PUB DATE: 10/23/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Jefferson Public Radio

Leaders from Franklin County Fire District 3 tell us they are hoping voters in the area will approve a $0.30 lid lift, which would raise the fire levy rate to $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed home value. While this would be the third lid lift for the district since 2012, they say the funding would help with rising call volumes and staffing concerns.
- PUB DATE: 10/23/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KEPR-TV CBS 19 Pasco

Olympia Firefighters announced a new Chief of Department on Friday. Matt Morris will join the Olympia Fire Department with over 33 years of experience in the fire service, said Olympia Firefighters. He's spent the last six years as the Fire Chief for the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority based in Kent.
- PUB DATE: 10/21/2023 8:11:00 PM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

VIDEOS: One firefighter is dead and four others were injured while battling a large rowhome fire in northwest Baltimore Thursday afternoon. SkyTeam 11 was over the scene in the 5200 block of Linden Heights Avenue. Firefighters responded at around 3:45 p.m., Chief James Wallace said. Crews entered the building to attack the flames when the fire rapidly grew.
- PUB DATE: 10/20/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WBAL-TV NBC 11 Baltimore

Oklahoma has become the first state in the nation to require a work zone safety and first responder safety course for teen drivers. The law, set to take effect Nov. 1, 2023, will require all Oklahoma teens to complete the free Oklahoma Work Zone Safe and First Responder Safety online education course before applying for their intermediate driver license.
- PUB DATE: 10/20/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Oklahoma Department of Transportation