If you have an emergency call 911!

National Fire News

Wisconsin fire destroys warehouse, injures firefighters, drains water tower

VIDEO: A large warehouse fire in Fort Atkinson Tuesday displaced about 50 residents and injured some of the 150 firefighters called to the scene. The fire was reported around noon in the 700 block of Oak Street on the city's north side, police said. There was no one in the building at the time. Fire Chief Daryl Rausch said at a press conference Tuesday evening that some firefighters suffered injuries due to the heat and were treated at the scene or taken to a local hospital.
- PUB DATE: 8/11/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Wisconsin State Journal

Rhode Island first in the nation to deploy new disaster response tech

VIDEO: When disaster strikes, communication is crucial. That’s why the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and Gov. Dan McKee announced Tuesday that first responders will soon start using some groundbreaking technology. These so-called “Compact Rapid Deployables” are mobile units that use satellite connectivity to make sure first responders have access to cellular and wi-fi coverage wherever they are.
- PUB DATE: 8/11/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WPRI-TV CBS 12 Providence

‘Emergency!’ Stars Randy Mantooth, Kevin Tighe to Produce Paramedic Documentary

The 70’s TV show “Emergency!” introduced the concept of paramedics to millions of viewers and inspired thousands to become EMS practitioners themselves. Some historians say it launched modern EMS in the U.S. Now the two stars of the show are co-producing a documentary to tell the story of today’s paramedic—following a pandemic that strained our healthcare system and revealed the critical role that paramedics play in caring for their communities.
- PUB DATE: 8/11/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Journal of Emergency Medical Services

Retired FDNY firefighter authors book about how he became a 9/11 hero

When Gerald Sanford retired from the FDNY in 1997, he never anticipated that he would return to his post after one of the darkest days in American history. In “It Started with a Helmet,” Sanford and his partner, Chris Griffith, detail the gripping story of Sanford’s contributions to the FDNY after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.
- PUB DATE: 8/11/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Staten Island Advance

NTSB: Construction Crew Blamed For Massive 2019 3-Alarm Natural Gas Line Explosion In California

VIDEO: If you look closely, there are still scars left over from the explosion of a ruptured natural gas line in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood more than two years ago. The blast rocked Geary Blvd. at Parker Ave. on the afternoon of Feb. 6, 2019. A two-story building on the corner – site of Hong Kong Lounge II restaurant and residences on the second floor – was extensively damaged by a giant orange fireball that sent diners running for their lives.
- PUB DATE: 8/11/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KPIX-TV CBS 5 San Francisco

130-year-old historic wedding venue and event center in Colorado destroyed by fire

VIDEO: One hundred and thirty years of history were destroyed in minutes after a fire ripped through one of Pueblo’s longest-standing buildings. The Albany Event and Wedding Venue has stood on Albany Avenue between East 7th and 8th streets since the late 19th century. It’s now in ruins following Monday afternoon’s devastating blaze.
- PUB DATE: 8/10/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KKTV CBS 11 Colorado Springs

What New York looked like after 9/11

PHOTOS: Eugene Richards lives in Brooklyn, but was out of the country on September 11, 2001. When he returned to New York City four days later, he has written, he "metamorphosed into a bruise." He stayed home, convinced that no one needed another photographer surveying the wreckage. But Richards's wife and collaborator, Janine Altongy, insisted that they go see it.
- PUB DATE: 8/10/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Atlantic

Ohio man who calls himself 'the Picasso of fire hydrants' adopts and paints dozens of them

VIDEO: Dayle Keefer, a Medina County man who calls himself "the Picasso of fire hydrants," is giving back to the community, one brushstroke at a time. Keefer moved to Brunswick not too long ago from Jamestown, New York to be closer to family. The 72-year-old retired from his job as a church pastor after more than 50 years.
- PUB DATE: 8/10/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WEWS-TV ABC 5 Cleveland

Meet the Nashville firefighter starring in award-winning country artists' empowering new music video

A local fire station transformed into center stage for a Nashville first responder who starred in a new music video from award-winning country artist Tenille Townes. Townes enlisted Nashville firefighter Shannon Wells for a video accompanying "Girl Who Didn't Care," a summer anthem about women following their dreams with child-like courage and passion.
- PUB DATE: 8/10/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Tennessean

Illinois moves toward phaseout of firefighting foam with harmful ‘forever chemicals’

Illinois will take a first step toward reducing the use of firefighting foam containing harmful “forever chemicals” under a bill signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker Friday. The measure aims to curb the use of one source of PFAS chemicals that are tied to a host of health threats, largely through a limitation on using the foam for anything other than emergencies.
- PUB DATE: 8/10/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Chicago Sun Times - Metered Site

VIDEO: Man catches fire at Illinois speedway

On Saturday night, the 1/5-mile of Macon Speedway welcomed race fans to the popular bullring oval. Local racers raced for big prizes in the 3rd annual Diane Bennett Memorial. Watch the Macon Speedway fire video below. In the Pro Modified feature, a scary fire broke out. Billy Justice Jr and Chris Erwin tangled in turn three.
- PUB DATE: 8/9/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Racing News

'It basically saved my life': Exams catch dangerous issues early in Ohio firefighters

When he went to his physical exam in October, Lt. Greg Galehouse felt like he was in pretty good health. The Akron firefighter had an active lifestyle and no sign that anything was wrong. After blood work, an EKG and a physical stress test, everything seemed OK. After they took ultrasounds of his organs, Galehouse thought, he’d get his paperwork and be on his way.
- PUB DATE: 8/9/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Akron Beacon Journal - Metered Site

VIDEO: Citing Safety Issues, City in New York Relocates Fire Station

Pointing to long-running structural and health concerns, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard announced on Friday that the Oak Street Firehouse will be temporarily relocated. The mayor said that operations at the Station 4 Firehouse will be moved until the city can make long overdue repairs. The firefighters and equipment will be immediately relocated to the Station 3 Firehouse until the city can establish a temporary Station 4 located near the Mount Vernon West MetroNorth train station.
- PUB DATE: 8/9/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Mount Vernon Patch

New Mexico's Alternative Response Unit gives city new type of first responder

On a recent afternoon, Antoine Mosley was panhandling on Cerrillos Road when the city’s Alternative Response Unit arrived. The unit includes a caseworker, a paramedic and a police officer who respond to low-threat 911 calls usually related to behavioral health issues. The unit members are trained in de-escalation techniques and often connect people in crisis with mental health and housing services.
- PUB DATE: 8/9/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Santa Fe New Mexican

Oklahoma State University-branded ladder truck showcases relationship between university and city

PHOTO: The partnership between Oklahoma State University and the City of Stillwater has always been crucial to the success of each institution as a whole. Stillwater and OSU sprang up almost simultaneously over 125 years ago, and their connection remains strong to this day, with their latest partnership culminating in an OSU-branded ladder truck for the Stillwater Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 8/9/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Oklahoma State University

Jon Stewart Advocates for 9/11 First Responders in New Documentary Trailer

VIDEO: Jon Stewart is featured in the trailer for No Responders Left Behind, a new documentary on the fight for first responders of the September 11th attacks to receive healthcare benefits. The documentary is largely focused on the work of activist John Feal and his FealGood Foundation, which has worked to reclaim healthcare rights for the thousands of first responders who are suffering from life-threatening and debilitating illnesses due to the toxins released at Ground Zero on 9/11.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Rolling Stone

Fire at Illinois apartment building called suspicious

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Officials are calling a fire that destroyed several vehicles and damaged a Decatur apartment building suspicious. Crews arrived at about 2:15 a.m. Thursday in the 500 block of West Macon Street. A dashcam video released Thursday afternoon by the Decatur Fire Department shows firefighters arriving to find a carport ablaze and thick, black smoke rising into the night sky.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Herald & Review

Volvo Donates XC40 Recharge to New York Fire Department for Training Purposes

PHOTOS: Due to their construction that features a large primary battery and high-voltage wiring, electric cars need to be approached differently by emergency services in the event of an accident. For instance, first responders have to know where they should attempt to cut in order to free trapped occupants, and the XC40 Recharge will help them practice quick and safe extrication procedures.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Auto Evolution

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s mobile food truck visits St. Louis first responders

VIDEO: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Mana Mobile food truck is making a few stops in St. Louis as part of a nationwide tour to celebrate first responders. Thursday afternoon it was parked at the fire station downtown. The Rock’s food truck pulled up a little before 4 p.m. Firefighters at St. Louis Fire Department House No.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KTVI-TV FOX 2 St. Louis

University of Nebraska Medical Center doctor shows difference between COVID-19's Delta variant in vaccinated, unvaccinated people

VIDEO: Doctors and the CDC report that the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads as easily as chickenpox, but what exactly does that look like when it’s transmitted from person to person? Dr. James Lawler sees patients at Nebraska Medicine on a daily basis. He explained in simple terms, if someone is infected with the COVID-19 Delta variant, it attaches to cells in our respiratory system, lining our airways and our lungs.
- PUB DATE: 8/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOLN-TV CBS 10/KGIN-TV CBS 11 Lincoln-Grand Island

Pages

How can you help?

We are volunteer organizations and are funded primarily through generous donations from the community.  We also need help at our fundraising events.

We welcome new firefighters and EMT's.  We can provide you with training through the Wisconsin Technical College System.

To find out more about joining or other ways to help contact us or come to a meeting!