They’re supposed to be fighting blazes, not starting them — especially in their own firehouse. Members of the Goldens Bridge Fire Department in Westchester accidentally ignited a 2014 fire that wiped out their headquarters, a Manhattan federal lawsuit says. Their insurer filed the suit to force them to foot the bill for the damages to the tune of $9 million.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Post

Four children died after someone at their home sprayed water on a previously applied pesticide, causing a reaction that produced toxic phosphine gas, officials in Amarillo, Texas, said. At least five other people were hospitalized in Monday's incident. Fire Capt. Larry Davis said a family member had used water in an attempt to wash away the pesticide -- aluminum phosphide -- which had been applied under the home.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN

Billy Burns has been the fire chief in Stuttgart for the last four years, but Burns said he’s spent the last two years trying to find a way to retire early. Burns claims working for Mayor J.W. Green is insufferable, saying he’s had no control of his department. Friday was Burns’s last day on the job at the Stuttgart Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KATV-TV ABC 7 Little Rock

The biggest barrier to solving Dallas’ multibillion-dollar pension crisis isn’t just the money, it’s also the troubled relationship City Hall has long had with its own police and firefighters. The two sides have never been so far apart at a time when it’s never been more critical they come together. Any deal to fix the public safety workers' deeply troubled pension system must go to the state Legislature for approval, and lawmakers have consistently insisted on one thing: cooperation.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

It’s been more than three and a half years since 19 firefighters were killed battling the Yarnell Hill fire, and their families still have lingering questions. “We don't know why the Granite Mountain Hotshots weren't provided with proper communications equipment,” said attorney David Abney. “We don't know why they weren't equipped with proper fire shelters that were rated to deal with a wildfire.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KPHO-TV CBS 5 Phoenix