Washington state’s worst-ever wildfire season took center stage once again in Washington, D.C. Two local fire officials testified before the U.S. Senate’s Energy & Natural Resources Committee Tuesday, appealing to lawmakers for more funding for fire suppression and preparedness. Chelan County District 1 Fire Chief Mike Burnett and Jon Wyss, chairman of the Okanogan County Long-Term Recovery Group both said local communities need more authority to, for example, more quickly call in air support that the federal government would pay for.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 4:46:18 PM - SOURCE: KPLU-FM 88.5 NPR News

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's overhaul of how the city hires new firefighters - launched 16 months ago amid allegations of nepotism and bias - has so far failed to meet his aim of diversifying the LAFD and may require further reforms to succeed, according to interviews with city officials and a Times analysis of government data.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: los angeles times

Lexington County is telling its 350 firefighters and paramedics they need to be in shape. Being ready physically is required under a fitness plan adopted by County Council last week. All firefighters, paramedics and other ambulance crew members will be tested yearly as well as command staff who normally supervise activities.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: the state

For years, Rohnert Park had a bad reputation among local fire departments. Fire bosses in neighboring cities said Rohnert Park’s firefighters lacked training and supervision, were understaffed and relied too heavily on outside agencies to extinguish fires and call the shots. City Hall and public safety officials have flatly dismissed the criticisms.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: santa rosa press democrat