“Complacency in response” and a lack of investigation helped lead to St. Johns County firefighters missing a condominium blaze last month that burned unrecognized for more than 45 minutes, a report released Thursday said. A dispatcher was fired and a firefighter quit over the finding of that review by county officials, which listed “inactions and missed opportunities” surrounding the reaction to the July 13 fire that ravaged the Belleza at Ponte Vedra condos.
- PUB DATE: 8/7/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: st. augustine record

Firefighters at District 8 said fire calls are up 175 percent this year with 35 more calls than normal. A ranch owner in Spokane Valley said fires have gotten too close for comfort this year. "I had to move a couple cows and have my horses here but I would let them run out if it happened immediately," said owner Steve Depiro.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2015 9:14:34 PM - SOURCE: Northwest Cable News

More than 30 safety professionals and first responders learned about crude oil rail transportation risks and preparedness in a class at Snohomish County Fire District 1 last week. “This will help Fire District 1 in our response planning for the oil trains coming through our service area in unincorporated south Snohomish County and the City of Edmonds,” said Assistant Chief Bob Eastman.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2015 1:14:09 PM - SOURCE: My Edmonds News

Grays Harbor Fire District 5 is thanking the community for two newly purchased ambulances which recently replaced two vehicles from the district’s aging fleet. In late 2014, residents of District 5 voted to pass a five-year ambulance bond for $360,000 allowing the district to purchase the new ambulances.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2015 1:13:31 PM - SOURCE: The Vidette