Two lawmakers are taking steps to stop drones from interfering in firefighting efforts after several incidents in California. One bill, SB167, would increase fines and make jail time possible for drone use that interferes with firefighting efforts. And on Monday, Republican Sen. Ted Gaines of El Dorado and Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Glendale also announced SB168, which would grant immunity to emergency responders who damage drones during firefighting or rescue operations.
- PUB DATE: 7/21/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KGTV-TV ABC 10 San Diego

A federal analysis of a May 2013 fire at the Southwest Inn that killed four Houston firefighters is in "alignment" with earlier local and state reports that cited communication failures and tactics used at the scene of the blaze, Houston Fire Department officials said Monday. The recently released report, from the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is intended "to educate not just the Houston Fire Department, but the entire American fire service," HFD officials said in a statement.
- PUB DATE: 7/21/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: houston chronicle

Prosecutors say an apartment fire was a crime of domestic violence that could have killed many people. Thirty-three-year-old Ricardo Rodriguez is accused of setting fire to a South Park apartment complex with his ex-girlfriend inside on Saturday morning. According to charging documents, Rodriguez had a smirk on his face when he dropped a match onto pools of gasoline outside his ex-girlfriend’s apartment.
- PUB DATE: 7/20/2015 7:46:19 PM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7