The Spokane Fire Department has sent out a statement regarding their assistance to the bushfires currently raging in Australia. Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer shared a photo of the statement on Twitter on Wednesday, January 8. "Having experienced firsthand the devastation that wildfires can create, we share your concern about the tragic wildfires currently ravaging Australia.
- PUB DATE: 1/8/2020 3:37:33 PM - SOURCE: KHQ-TV NBC 6

A southwest Washington fire district swore in Kristan Maurer as its first female fire chief Tuesday night. Maurer grew up in Houston, Texas. Her family moved to Washington, where she went to Battle Ground High School. It was during a four-year paramedic program at Central Washington University where she first rode along with fire departments.
- PUB DATE: 1/8/2020 12:47:48 PM - SOURCE: OPB

A new fire chief is in town in the City of Asotin. The selection of this new fire chief is the result of hard work by the City of Asotin Mayor Vicki Bonfield and Asotin County Fire District One's Fire Chief Noel Hardin. The reason for the change is a previous agreement between the county and city is dissolved.
- PUB DATE: 1/8/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KLEW-TV CBS 3

Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue will be asking voters in February to increase its regular property tax levy to reflect the rise in area property values. Chief Mick Lamar said the all-volunteer fire district would use the money to build funds for station improvements and equipment. If the current levy is not altered, Lamar claimed the current budgetary levels would severely impact Chelan County Fire District #9's operations.
- PUB DATE: 1/7/2020 9:08:57 PM - SOURCE: KPQ-AM 560

The Seattle Fire Department has determined that a clogged trash chute was the source of a fire that forced the evacuation of dozens of people from a high-rise. Evacuated residents at Addison on Fourth said they have complained for several days that the landlord failed to clear the chute. “This is just not healthy for anyone to live in this condition,” said Heidi Merritt, a resident who evacuated the building on Tuesday afternoon.
- PUB DATE: 1/7/2020 5:44:04 PM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle