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