PHOTOS: Dozens of fire rescue squads across Florida are putting their skills to the test competing against an international group of emergency responders for the Palm Beach State Invitational. David Hamel, director of Palm Beach State College’s fire academy, said the friendly competition gives emergency responders a chance to hone their skills and learn from each other.
- PUB DATE: 5/3/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTVX-TV CW 34 Fort Pierce

VIDEO: A massive fire leveled a furniture store that has been a mainstay on Tacoma’s southside for decades. Everyone in the 75-year-old building managed to get out safely, but now begins the search for a cause. The fire destroyed Buddy’s Home Furnishings, a chain store that has been on Tacoma’s Pacific Avenue for years.
- PUB DATE: 5/3/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

Skagit County Fire District 6, which serves north Skagit County, is considering asking voters in the district to approve an increase in property taxes to help pay for services. According to news release from the fire district, revenue is not keeping up with an increase in demand for services, and higher call volumes are leading to longer response times.
- PUB DATE: 5/2/2023 9:00:00 PM - SOURCE: Skagit Valley Herald

Smoke is billowing into the air in Tacoma after a fire broke out at Buddy's Home Furnishings on Pacific Ave. Fire officials told FOX 13 there were no immediate reports of injuries. It's too soon to know what may have caused the fire.
- PUB DATE: 5/2/2023 2:24:00 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13 Seattle

VIDEO/PHOTOS: A huge fire totally engulfed and destroyed a Bedminster Florist this past weekend. The Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department was called to the fire at 15 Tuttle Ave. at the corner of Route 2o2 in Bedminster on Saturday, April 29 at 12:10 a.m. Firefighters arrived at 12:16 a.m. to a fully involved structure fire and two partially involved secondary structures, according to Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 5/2/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Basking Ridge Patch