A furnace fire that began at the KapStone Paper & Packaging plant in Longview posed significant challenges to firefighters as they tried to infiltrate the blaze without disturbing any asbestos. Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Longview firefighters were called out to the plant site at 12:32 p.m. Monday, and the fire continued to occupy responders well into Monday night.
- PUB DATE: 2/14/2017 2:16:50 AM - SOURCE: Longview Daily News

After he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, Casper Fire Captain Jeff Atkinson wanted to spend his free time creating lasting memories with his two boys — he didn’t want to waste precious hours filling out paperwork or arguing his claim for worker’s compensation. The captain filed for workers’ compensation after he became sick, his wife said, but he was denied.
- PUB DATE: 2/14/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Casper Star-Tribune

A city resident, who was rejected as a firefighter because he has high blood pressure, has filed a $500,000 federal discrimination lawsuit against the city. Antonio Dias, 30, claims that although the city’s own doctor said he can perform the duties of a firefighter as long as he takes medication for his high blood pressure the city’s personnel director refused to clear Dias.
- PUB DATE: 2/14/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Connecticut Post

Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doan said he is outraged after the House State Affairs Committee voted, 6-9, on Monday not to move forward with legislation that would close a fireworks loophole in Idaho. Meridian Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer also echoed Doan’s concerns in a statement released Monday afternoon, and Nampa Fire Chief Phil Roberts has also stated in the past he is among those in favor of banning the sale of aerial fireworks.
- PUB DATE: 2/14/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Idaho Press-Tribune