Skagit County Fire District 7 reported this week it has been the victim of a scam that has defrauded the district of about $75,000. The district had planned to use the money to buy a firetruck. According to a news release from the district, someone pretending to be the district’s secretary sent an email to the Skagit County Treasurer’s Office requesting $75,500 be wired from the district’s account to another account.
- PUB DATE: 2/4/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: skagit valley herald

A lively debate on fireground tactics erupted on the show floor as two experienced fire officers squared off in a moderated panel session at Firehouse World 2016 on Tuesday afternoon. The debate focused on whether the “hit it hard from the yard” tactic of fire suppression was effective or defective when it comes to saving life and property.
- PUB DATE: 2/4/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firehouse

When a fire broke out last year near a Utah mountain lake, firefighters encountered an object that proved a bigger problem than any of the flames: A drone buzzing nearby that forced them to halt their efforts until they could ensure it was gone. Fire crews can't risk the unmanned aerial devices colliding with their planes and helicopters, so they pull out until the drones are gone, said Jason Curry of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
- PUB DATE: 2/4/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KSL-TV NBC 5

New York’s Volunteer Firefighters not only save lives, they also save billions in tax dollars for the state. In fact, New Yorkers save more than $3 billion each year due to the services provided by the State’s volunteer fire service according to a financial impact study released today by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY).
- PUB DATE: 2/4/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: firefighternation

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company has awarded Howard County's West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department and Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company with a combined total of $10,000 in grant funding to enhance fire and rescue equipment at each station.

"Our volunteer partners are vital to keeping our communities safe," said Fire Chief John S. Butler, in a statement. "Working side by side with these members provides the best possible care and attention to our residents. These increased assets will serve to benefit all of Howard County."

The West Friendship department applied for fire suppression equipment and cold/warm water rescue apparatus through a grant request, said Maria Hogg, spokeswoman for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue.

"In addition to responding to the Patapsco River, Hogg said, the station also keeps an eye on roughly 275 lakes, ponds, and storm water management areas. By enhancing the fire suppression arsenal with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company's $5,000 grant, the station can improve capabilities to put out fires in these types of remote structures. Hogg said the equipment will also help the station in their response to community emergencies and ensure the safety of both the public and its personnel.

Another $5,000 will be going toward improvements at the Lisbon department, where volunteers are often called to vehicle rescues along major commuter roads, such as Interstate 70 and Routes 32 and 97.

For more information, view www.baltimoresun.com