Understaffed 911 call centers across the country field non-emergency calls about stray animals or noise complaints on top of their workload of answering serious reports of medical emergencies, crimes and even death. Officials in Charleston County, South Carolina, however, are now leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline non-emergency calls in an effort to free up 911 operators to focus on getting first responders to the scene of emergency incidents as quickly as possible.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FOX News

VIDEO: It was once the most powerful fireboat in the world, but while it’s since been retired from service, the Mystic Seaport Museum is planning a birthday bash to celebrate its legacy. The Fire Fighter, also known as America’s fireboat, was used by the New York City firefighters for 72 years. It also supplied water from New York Harbor during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, pumping for 80 hours straight.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTNH-TV ABC 8 New Haven

VIDEO: Medical emergencies can happen anytime, including while you’re traveling through the world’s busiest airport. Now Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is better prepared for the unexpected. Atlanta cut the ribbon on the nation’s first on-site airport triage center. It’a essentially an entire health clinic, right in the heart of the airport.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Atlanta News First

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Firefighters in Bellevue were battling a 3-alarm fire at an apartment building Tuesday afternoon. The fire was reported at an apartment complex at 15216 NE 16th Place at 3 p.m. According to the Red Cross, 56 units were affected by fire meaning they were either damaged or destroyed. The number of people affected is still unknown.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

Over 800 personnel are now fighting the Oregon Road Fire burning near Elk, Washington, that's burned over 11,000 acres and is 4% contained. According to Dana Leavitt with PNW Team 3, the steep, dense terrain is creating tricky conditions for firefighters on scene as they work to get a handle on the fire.
- PUB DATE: 8/23/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane