VIDEO: As firefighters across Oklahoma battle intense wildfires this week, the Elgin Fire Department received a major boost courtesy of an unexpected benefactor: Major League Baseball player Walker Buehler. The Buehler Family Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responders, donated pallets of bottled water and Gatorade to the fire department, providing crucial supplies to sustain crews throughout the wildfire season.

“He reached out in a big way and provided enough fluids to get them through fire season for sure,” said Ward 3 City Councilmember Phil Britcher, who initially posted a community request for assistance. The donation came about through a chance connection. Elgin resident Joe Kepler texted Buehler, a pitcher who has championed first responder causes through his foundation, asking if he could help local fire departments.

“He immediately responded and said absolutely just tell me where I need to get the stuff to and we’ll work it out,” Kepler said. The generosity reflects a broader community commitment to supporting the fire department, according to Britcher, who has watched residents and local organizations rally behind first responders for years.

The post Fire department in Oklahoma receives donation from MLB player appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue was on scene at an early morning fire at a railroad bridge in west Lincoln.

LFR responded at 3:45 a.m. Monday to the railroad bridge over Salt Creek by Westgate and Sun Valley boulevards near Pinnacle Bank Arena. Our reporter on the scene could see the bridge engulfed in flames and heavy smoke rising from the area miles away.

The bridge eventually collapsed just before 5:30 a.m. LFR spokesperson, MJ Lierman, said the bridge will be a total loss, and they are working with railroad officials and fire investigators at this time.

While no cause has been determined, our station is working to get more details, while emergency response works the scene.

The post VIDEO: Railroad bridge collapses after fire in Nebraska appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: A family who lost everything in the Eaton Fire was reunited with replicas of their late father’s treasured Los Angeles Fire Department memorabilia, all thanks to the Los Angeles Fireman’s Relief Association. James Vitale and his wife lost their home in the blaze, along with all of the LAFD mementos belonging to his father, Joe Vitale, who served the department for nearly 20 years.

Joe Vitale worked as an auto firefighter before becoming one of the department’s first fire jumpers after serving in World War II and the Korean War. “The excitement was the saving of lives because he was on the ambulance, and then when Helitack came along, all of a sudden, here was an opportunity to use all his paratrooper training,” James said.

The presentation took place at Station 60 in North Hollywood, where Joe once served. In a moment that left the family emotional, firefighters presented James with a replica of his father’s helmet. “For 40 years, it hung in my office, in my home, and I saw it and it reminded me of my dad, and the loss of that helmet was something that really affected me but more so the fire,” James said.

The post Family receives replicas of late father’s LAFD memorabilia lost in California’s Eaton Fire appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: Several Central Texas fire departments have adopted a new wildfire risk modeling tool to help firefighters better prepare and mitigate wildfire threats. The ‘Mitigate’ platform, developed by the company FiSci, uses proprietary AI and predictive analytics—combining detailed data on vegetation, weather patterns, and topography—to generate highly detailed maps that simulate how a wildfire could spread and intensify across specific areas.

Travis County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Ken Bailey said the technology helps firefighters take a more strategic approach when facing high‑risk conditions.

“Stuff like this allows us to really think about how we are deploying our resources,” Bailey said. ” [For example] what’s the probability it’s going to jump over and then threaten [a] neighborhood? By running these simulations, we get a higher sense of what our risks are.” Bailey added that the tool can also help agencies test mitigation options, that simulate how actions such shaded fuel breaks, vegetation management, or changes to roadway access could alter fire’s path.

The post Central Texas fire departments adopt AI modeling tool to predict and mitigate wildfire spread appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

PHOTOS: Crews from multiple departments battled a three-alarm fire Thursday afternoon at a home on Silver Street that injured two police officers and presented water supply challenges for firefighters. According to officials, Monson fire crews were called to 275 Silver Street around 4:30 p.m. after multiple callers reported heavy smoke in the area. The fire prompted authorities to shut down Silver Street in both directions near Maxwell Road.

Fire Chief Brian Harris said when crews arrived, they found heavy fire spreading throughout the home. When 22News crews arrived, firefighters could be seen actively working to put out the fire as smoke billowed from upper windows and flames were visible on the right side of the building.

According to Jake Wark, Public Information Officer for the Department of Fire Services, because the area has no municipal water supply and nearby lakes were frozen, about half a dozen tanker trucks from regional departments were brought in to shuttle water to the scene. The house sustained catastrophic damage, with portions of the roof collapsing as crews continued working.

The post VIDEOS: Two injured as crews battle three-alarm fire in Massachusetts appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: A once-blank wall at South Branch Potomac Lanes in Moorefield has been transformed into a tribute of courage. The mural, painted by local artist Kelson Thorne, honors the first responders who battled the 2024 wildfires that threatened the community.

“Just to know that people take an interest in what I can create is really something that I’m really grateful for and something that I didn’t see coming,” Thorne said. “Opportunities that I have had, I never would have thought would have happened.”

Samuel Williams, owner of the bowling alley, said the mural was designed to recognize the volunteers and first responders who risked their lives during the fires. “To give a little pat on the back and recognition to people that volunteer and are out there trying to save lives, it makes us feel really good that we can do that,” Williams said.

The five-week preparation period proved to be the most challenging and rewarding phase of the project for Thorne, who said the creative process was meditative. “I’m not a very patient person, but whenever I start to do paintings, it’s like the world stops and goes slow,” Thorne said.

The post Artist paints mural in West Virginia to honor firefighters who responded to 2024 wildfires appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: Twenty-three years ago, 100 people died and more than 200 others were injured in a fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick. So what caused the fire that night, and why was it so disastrous?

The headliner, Great White, took the stage at about 11:07 p.m. As the opening number got underway, their manager set off pyrotechnic devices known as gerbs, which shoot sparks into the air. The sparks ignited the foam insulating material that surrounded the stage, and the flames quickly began to spread.

The cause of the fire was determined to be the use of pyrotechnics combined with the presence of combustible interior finish, materials and furnishings. This, according to the report, caused the people inside the club to quickly be overcome by smoke and heat which hindered their ability to escape, along with the narrow means of egress at the main entrance.

The fire and the subsequent investigation led to significant changes in fire code and safety regulations.

The post Remembering the victims of the Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island 23 years later appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

PHOTOS: A boat in Little River sustained heavy fire damage Wednesday morning, while causing damage to two nearby boats, Horry County Fire Rescue said.

Crews responded just after 8:30 a.m. to the 4000 block of Water Front Avenue where a 28-foot boat was on fire. The incident was under control as of 9:26 a.m. and no injuries were reported. News13 obtained photos and a video of the fire taken by Casey Kuzmik. The images show flames coming from the boat and firefighters working in the area where the boat was docked.

Kuzmik says he could hear the sounds of glass crackling and that the air smelled like fiberglass. He says luckily, fire crews were able to get to the scene within minutes and put out the blaze.

“I was wondering where somebody was. I don’t know where the boat owner was. I didn’t know where anybody was or what to do,” he said. “It was big. There’s fuel lines down here, I mean, it’s a marina. So that’s my No.1 concern, you know, making sure that it didn’t get over here and do anything to our business.”

The post VIDEOS: Multiple boats damaged in South Carolina dock fire appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: Mt. Juliet officials were fired up about being featured in a recent music video from country singer Chase Matthew. The Mt. Juliet Fire Department announced this week that it was featured in Matthew’s new “Holdin’ It Down” music video.

“From inside the fire bays to scenes alongside our apparatus, it was a special opportunity to represent Mt. Juliet on a national stage,” a post from the department said. The video focused on themes of hometown pride and tells the story of a child growing up to become a firefighter in his small town.

A message at the end dedicates the production “to the small town heroes.” “We’re proud of our firefighters and grateful to Chase and his team for highlighting the people who truly are holdin’ it down,” MJFD said.

The post Country artist Chase Matthew features Tennessee firefighters, station in music video appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: A new bill filed in the Alabama Legislature would create a criminal offense for interfering with police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel while they are performing their duties. Senator April Weaver (R) has introduced Senate Bill 293 establishing the crime of “Interference With a First Responder.”

The proposal comes amid what Weaver described as growing concerns about unrest and disruptions targeting emergency personnel in other parts of the country, citing violence and civil unrest in Minnesota. Weaver said she wants to prevent similar situations from occurring in Alabama.

“When our brave first responders are carrying out their duties, they shouldn’t have to worry about zealous agitators or bad actors interfering or inciting trouble,” Weaver said in a press release. “This bill makes it clear that when first responders instruct you to back off, refusing to do so will win you a free ride to jail in the back of a police cruiser while wearing a shiny pair of handcuffs.”

Under the bill, a person could be charged if they remain within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services worker after being instructed to vacate the area while the responder is engaged in official duties.

The post New Alabama bill would create crime of ‘Interference With a First Responder’ appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

PHOTOS: A pastor and at least four firefighters were injured in an explosion at a New York church that resulted in “catastrophic damage” to the building on Tuesday, according to officials. Abundant Life Fellowship Church is considered “destroyed,” New York State Police said.

According to a preliminary investigation, four people were in the basement of the church when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion. Another firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the explosion and was thrown against the wall, according to police.

According to state police, those injured in the explosion have been identified as:

• Brandon Pitts, 43, the pastor of the church
• David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief
• Allan Austin, 67, a Boonville Fire Department firefighter
• Nicholas Amicucci, 43, a Boonville Fire Department firefighter
• Richard Czajka, 71, a Boonville Fire Department firefighter

They are all currently in critical but stable condition, officials said.

The post VIDEOS: Firefighters critically injured, church ‘destroyed’ after explosion causes ‘catastrophic damage’ in New York appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: The first 911 call in the United States was made 58 years ago by former Alabama House Speaker Rankin Fite during a non-emergency demonstration. The emergency system was created through work from Congress, the FCC and AT&T.

Since then, dispatchers have worked to keep people safe during emergencies while technology has evolved to make their jobs more effective. April White, director of the Monroe County 911 Center, said the work remains challenging but essential. “I helped save a life today,” White said, describing what keeps 911 dispatchers motivated.

White was a dispatcher when the Monroe County center first went online around 1993. She said the job looked much different then. “We had to handwrite everything. We had color-coded cards for each department. We had log sheets that we had to fill out,” White said.

Technology improvements have streamlined operations with faster computers, touch screens and the ability to send links to help with CPR. “And within seconds, very few seconds, you click on that link and it will open your cell phone up and we can see what you’re doing. And we can watch you and tell you if you’re doing it right or not,” White said.

The post First 911 call turns 58, technology transforms emergency response appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

Every day, firefighters play a vital role in communities, working to save lives and property, at times in potentially life-threatening situations. Due to the nature of the job, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.

While in the line of duty, firefighters are exposed to hazardous substances such as smoke and toxic chemicals, increasing their risk of certain cancers. To better understand the link between firefighting and cancer, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) established the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer to study and reduce cancer risk in the fire service.

The NFR collects detailed work history information and links it with state cancer registries to improve understanding of occupational cancer risks and guide efforts to prevent cancer among firefighters. To date, the NFR says more than 40,000 firefighters have joined the NFR, and it is now the largest firefighter cohort in the nation dedicated to understanding occupational cancer risks and advancing prevention efforts to protect firefighters’ health.

The post Firefighters past and present urged to register with the CDC’s National Firefighter Registry for Cancer appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

PHOTOS: More than 50 people remained away from their homes on Monday afternoon following a house explosion and a gas leak in Centreville the night before, according to a spokesperson for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

That number is down from the 65 houses Washington Gas reported were evacuated as a precaution Monday morning. Crews spent Monday afternoon helping evacuated residents pick up necessary items from their homes or help return them to their homes.

Fire crews responded around 9:48 p.m. Sunday to the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court for a house fire after multiple callers reported hearing a loud explosion and flames engulfing the residence. Crews confirmed Monday morning that there was an explosion.

So far, investigators have not said whether the gas leak caused the explosion or if the two are linked at all. They are working to determine the cause. The house next door caught fire, too, but fire officials said crews got it under control, and the family living there got out.

The post VIDEOS: House explosion, gas leak in Virginia forces evacuation of 50+ homes appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO: A rare weather report in Fresno County, as residents reported a potential tornado had ripped the roof off a fire station. Witnesses said Tuesday that they spotted a small funnel cloud touchdown in the town of Tranquility.

“Rarely does one actually touch down and cause damage. With this job, just like with the public, you always have to be ready for everything. Fire Department, we’re not exempt from disasters happening, so we’ve got to respond and react,” said CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Matthew Mosley.

Moments after the report, pieces of the roof of CAL FIRE Station 95, on West Morton Road, were sent flying in several directions, with some even landing across the street in an almond orchard.

Chief Mosely told Action News that his crew was responding to a call in Mendota when the initial reports came in. He’s now thankful they weren’t inside when those wicked winds swept through.

“There’s no damage to the residents or barracks of our station crews, and we just want to reiterate to the communities that our services aren’t affected by this damage. We’re still going to be here and doing our job,” Chief Mosley said.

The post Possible tornado tears roof off California fire station appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

PHOTOS: A wind turbine in Breckenridge caught on fire on Saturday morning. At around 7:36 a.m., on February 14, crews responded to a wind turbine on fire near the intersection of FM 717 just south of FM 207. Firefighters believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike. No injuries or deaths were reported at the fire.

The post VIDEOS: Wind turbine catches fire in Texas appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

PHOTOS: Sevierville Firefighting crews responded to a fire at SkyLand Ranch that was discovered early Friday morning. According to Sevierville Fire Chief Matt Henderson, a 911 call reported the fire around 2:20 a.m., after people driving through Sevierville spotted a glow on the ridge.

When crews arrived, they found two large barn structures on fire. City of Sevierville spokesperson Bob Stahlke said the barns housed horses and small animals.

Sevierville Police were the first officials to arrive on the scene, and officers assisted in getting animals away from the area of the fire when firefighters arrived, Henderson told 6 News around 6 a.m. He said the fire was already advanced when firefighters arrived, and the higher elevation of where the barns are located led to struggles to get an adequate water supply.

Henderson said both barns a total loss. Firefighters continued working on the remaining wooded area. Henderson said no people or animals were injured in the fire.

The post VIDEOS: Crews respond to fire at SkyLand Ranch in Tennessee appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEOS: Firefighters in Eau Claire are trading their helmets for bouquets this Valentine’s Day weekend, delivering flowers door-to-door as part of a 15-year partnership that helps provide warm coats for children in the community.

The Eau Claire Firefighter Community Charity has teamed with Eau Claire Floral for the annual Valentine’s delivery program. This year, 10 firefighters are volunteering their time to hand-deliver arrangements throughout the weekend.

Genny Hay, who has owned Eau Claire Floral since 2008, said the partnership began when a firefighter approached her about bringing the program to the Eau Claire area.

“The city that he used to firefight in, they did the same thing,” Hay said. “So, he wanted to bring it to the Eau Claire area. So, I just jumped on the chance to have the opportunity to have the firefighters help us deliver and the extra just fun element for Valentine’s deliveries of it.” The flower shop typically handles a few hundred deliveries but expects that number to double this Valentine’s Day due to the firefighter delivery option.

The post Firefighters and florists in one Wisconsin city team up to deliver Valentine’s flowers for charity appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO/PHOTOS: An 11-year-old girl with autism was rescued on Wednesday after she ended up dangerously close to freezing water at Bramble Park, prompting an urgent response from Cincinnati firefighters.

Cincinnati Fire Department Rescue 9 responded, with Lt. Collin Grove overseeing crews at the park. “When we hear somebody’s in the water, we’re going to step things up a little bit,” Grove said.

He described the terrain crews faced: “We had about a 20-foot-tall ravine, and at the bottom of the ravine was the child, who had maybe a two-foot-wide path between the steep hill and the water.”

Firefighter Taylor Kuhlmann, with Cincinnati Fire Department Rescue 9, said crews could see the girl when they arrived but had concerns about the conditions.

The post ‘That’s why we do this’: How Cincinnati firefighters rescued girl with autism from icy gully appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

Emergency crews safely rescued a trucker whose big rig crashed partway off a rain-slick freeway bridge in Oceanside early Wednesday, leaving the driver suspended some seven stories above the San Luis Rey River.

The non-injury accident took place at about 5 a.m. Wednesday on northbound Interstate 805, just south of Harbor Drive, according to the Oceanside Fire Department.

Emergency crews arrived to find the cab of the tractor-trailer hanging off the edge of the San Luis Rey Bridge with the driver trapped inside about 70 feet above ground level, the city agency reported. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle, then removed its rear cab window, allowing them to pull the trucker to safety.

“The Oceanside Fire Department reminds motorists to exercise caution during wet-weather conditions,” OFD officials noted in a prepared statement. “If possible, avoid unnecessary travel during rain [and otherwise] reduce speed and maintain safe following distances behind other vehicles.”

The post VIDEO: Trucker rescued after big-rig crash ended with cab dangling 7 stories above river in California appeared first on Daily Dispatch.