With the help of the Columbus Fire District Trustees, the Columbus Junction Fire and Rescue bought a Seagrave pumper and ladder truck recently, kciiradio.com reported.

With a 75-foot ladder, the truck allows for firefighters to aid in grain bin and ice rescues, as well as reach the third story of buildings and homes, the report said. In the past, the department required help from Washington and Wapello departments for such cases where a ladder was needed.

The truck was also purchased to comply with the National Fire Protection Association, which recommends that working trucks be no more than 20 years old, according to the report.

Crews are on scene at a massive fire in Kissimmee. The blaze is located at a plant nursery off of Poinciana Boulevard and was first reported at 2 a.m. The name of the company is Nursery Supplies Inc. Two acres worth of pellets holding plastic planters are burning and crews are using 4,500 gallons of water per minute to douse the flames.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WESH-TV NBC 2 Daytona Beach

VIDEO: Sharon and Dewayne Smoots are making history and breaking barriers. They are considered the first husband and wife duo to hold two of the highest-ranking positions within the Milwaukee Fire Department. Dewayne joined the Milwaukee Fire Department 35 years ago after a long career with the state's justice department.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WISN-TV ABC 12 Milwaukee

VIDEO: One of the leading causes of death for firefighters is cancer, often caused by exposure to toxic chemicals that they may face while responding to a fire. Harmful chemicals put firefighters at an additional risk when they’re serving the community, but recent initiatives are hoping to protect them from these dangers.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WECT-TV NBC 6 Wilmington

Firefighters across Tennessee are walking hundreds of miles to raise awareness for the mental health struggles first responders face and push legislation in the state capitol. The walk comes as studies from 2022 found firefighters have higher suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risks. Studies also found suicide happens twice as often with firefighters compared to the general community, and PTSD occurs in 57% of firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 2/16/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WKRN-TV ABC 2 Nashville