Central Pierce Fire & Rescue commissioners unanimously appointed Deputy Chief Tim Pierce as the department’s interim leader Monday night as the board begins its search for a new permanent chief. Jack Andren, a 40-plus-year veteran who returned from retirement to lead the state’s fourth-largest fire department, had retired again effective July 31 after serving as interim fire chief since September 2015.
- PUB DATE: 8/16/2016 1:53:52 AM - SOURCE: Tacoma News Tribune

A northwest Louisiana firefighter who traveled to Baton Rouge to help with flood rescue efforts is believed to have accidentally discharged his weapon, wounding another firefighter, according to officials. The incident happened Monday night in the 9000 block of Greenwell Springs Road. Investigators say the bullet first hit a boat and then hit the fireman.
- PUB DATE: 8/16/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KSLA-TV Shreveport News 12

A California man was arrested Monday on arson charges for allegedly sparking a wildfire that exploded over the weekend, destroying more than 175 homes, businesses and other structures in a small town, authorities said. Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, of Clearlake was arrested Monday on 17 counts of arson and is in jail.
- PUB DATE: 8/16/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Fox News

As a Philadelphia firefighter, Steven Mesete often is required to spring into action at a moment's notice, abruptly sending his heart into rat-a-tat mode. "You can be sitting still, and then running at 100 miles an hour," he said. One day last week, Mesete ramped up his cardiovascular system in a much more controlled fashion, walking on a treadmill with wires stuck to his chest and a cardiologist standing nearby.
- PUB DATE: 8/16/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Philly.com

Chief Michael Jensen is leaving Unified Fire Authority, an agency under investigation over bonuses it approved for him and three others. During a two-hour closed-door meeting, Jensen said, he and the agency's board had a "long, good discussion" and agreed on a "mutual separation" in the best interest of Unified Fire Authority (UFA).
- PUB DATE: 8/16/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Salt Lake Tribune