An FDNY deputy chief had to reject more than $35,000 raised for his family after department brass sent him a letter warning that accepting the funds might be a “conflict of interest.” Paul Mannix, who founded anti-quota group Merit Matters, was docked 50 days’ pay for allegedly leaking info to reporters.
- PUB DATE: 8/17/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: new york post

The Philadelphia medic noticed smoke rising from the engine just as he steered his ambulance off I-95. He and his partner were on their way to a medical emergency when their ambulance began to smoke. Then, a bang - a "loud explosion," the medic remembered. They pulled over and scrambled from their seats as the smoke grew heavy and thick.
- PUB DATE: 8/17/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: philadelphia inquirer

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said Saturday that at least 50 homes have burned as wildfires continue to spread. However, officials said the exact number of homes, businesses and other structures lost is not yet known. Fire incident spokesman Wayne Patterson said Sunday that more fire crews, including from the Washington National Guard, are being mobilized to fight six fires burning in the area.
- PUB DATE: 8/16/2015 4:45:13 PM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2

With more hot, dry weather expected this week, officials are bracing against a series of fast-moving wildfires that scorched more than 100,000 acres and destroyed as many as 75 homes and businesses over the weekend. Up to 160 homes remain threatened by the blazes, including as many as 100 by the Wolverine and Reach Complex fires and up to 60 by the First Creek fire, said Chris Schulte, manager of the team coordinating the firefighting.
- PUB DATE: 8/16/2015 1:39:22 PM - SOURCE: Seattle Times