An administrative law judge says California’s firefighting agency can impose tougher penalties than were originally sought against three firefighters accused of cheating to obtain promotions. The three were demoted in January during a scandal at the agency’s training academy in Ione, east of Sacramento, in the wake of a brutal murder.
- PUB DATE: 8/20/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOVR-TV CBS Sacramento

Hampered by searing heat and humidity that can make even ordinary fires difficult to battle, Paterson firefighters spent hours fighting a series of blazes on Wednesday in a neighborhood known for gun violence and dotted with abandoned homes, with authorities saying one fire apparently was started by a 5-year-old boy.
- PUB DATE: 8/20/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: North Jersey.com (Bergen County Record & Herald News)

On Dena Lewis-Bystrzycki's first day as a Country Club Hills firefighter, the chief at the time allegedly leaned over to her and whispered a crude sexual invitation.. Some co-workers laughed. Lewis-Bystrzycki looked at one of them and asked, essentially, "Is this what I am to expect?" "Welcome to the fire service," the engineer allegedly responded, according to recently filed court records that detail the exchange.
- PUB DATE: 8/20/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: chicago tribune

Someone stole the top prize in a raffle that was meant to raise money for the Caledonia fire chief. Longtime chief Chuck Gavin has been slowed by ALS, and a group of his volunteer firefighters and friends are planning a benefit Sept. 12 to raise money to help with the costs. The grand prize was a refurbished, bright blue 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
- PUB DATE: 8/20/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KSTP-TV ABC 5 Minneapolis/St. Paul

Three firefighters died after their vehicle crashed and was likely caught by flames as they battled a blaze in Washington state, authorities said. Four other firefighters were injured. he casualties came Wednesday as firefighters on several fronts fought against raging wildfires advancing on towns in the north-central part of the state.
- PUB DATE: 8/20/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4