KPTV reported on one couple's attempt to protect their business from a raging wildland fire in Oregon.

“We’re in the heart of the Gorge, and the heart of the Gorge is on fire,” said Angela Guisinger, with Bridge of The Gods Motel. The hotel estimates it has lost up to $50K. Roger Hicks and his fiancée said they found a great deal and bought a fire truck. They’ve been spraying down the roofs of the motel.

Including teh community in decisions for your fire department can be critical to establishing good will toward the department and its members. Being sensitive to the effects a station could have on residences in a particular area is key.

Salisbury Communications Director Linda McElroy said the purpose of the open house, which will be held at the current station, is to show residents what other options the city is looking at for the station’s future location.

A HME Inc. 34D Wildland Type III engine arrived in late August to help fight fires in rural Tracy. An aerial ladder truck is under construction, and a new hazardous materials engine destined for Tracy, sponsored by the California Office of Emergency Services, is also coming soon.

The report says the pilot was in a descending flight profile about 100 feet above trees at about 40 knots when the helicopter began an uncommanded yaw to the right and descent increased.

The pilot released the water and the helicopter continued to yaw and descend. The pilot reported he had little positive control before hitting the trees. The yaw decreased and the pilot regained control, then made an emergency landing.