Investigators were beginning to get a sense of the final chaotic moments for the 36 people killed in a fire at a converted Oakland warehouse, as they made progress on the search for the cause of the blaze. Oakland’s planning director, meanwhile, admitted that the building had not been inspected for three decades, despite what neighbors said were numerous complaints about accumulated trash, graffiti and other blight.
- PUB DATE: 12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: SFGate.com

The union representing Youngstown's firefighters is taking action after Mondays' shooting that wounded one of their members. A representative of the Youngstown Professional Firefighter's union says the department will investigate the possibility of allowing captains to carry firearms during calls. They also say they'll look into buying bullet proof vests for firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WFMJ-TV Youngstown NBC 21

One by one, retired Dallas police and firefighters came to the pension fund to get their money. “I think instead of filing a lawsuit … it would have been a lot cheaper (for the mayor) just to get a billboard that said make a run on the bank,” retired firefighter George Snowden told News 8 outside the pension office.
- PUB DATE: 12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WFAA-TV ABC 8 Dallas - Fort Worth

More city employees in Petersburg are quitting their jobs over budget cuts. Chief T.C. Hairston says the Petersburg Fire Department has lost 14 firefighters since the city implemented a mandatory 10 percent pay cut for all city employees. Some people who live in Petersburg are now concerned about safety.
- PUB DATE: 12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WRIC.com

Erik Gaines had just begun putting up this year's Christmas lights when the accident happened. Right from under his feet, the ladder slipped. Gaines crashed to the ground, breaking several bones in his leg, ankle and shoulder. His family called 911 and a crew from Engine Company 66 arrived at the family house in Puyallup.
- PUB DATE: 12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: King5