VIDEO: After the massive high-rise fire in London that left 17 people dead and dozens in critical condition, the Eau Claire Fire Department is taking notice. News 18 spoke with the Eau Claire Fire Department on Thursday to find out what their protocol is and how they prepare for emergency situations.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2017 7:22:39 AM - SOURCE: WQOW-TV ABC 18 Eau Claire

VIDEO: Flight for Life was called out to the area near Erin Hills Golf Course after a blimp went down in an open field in the Town of Erin Thursday, June 15th, Washington County sheriff's officials said. Sheriff's officials said a deputy at a security post reported seeing the "lighter than air" aircraft on fire, rapidly descending around 11:15 a.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FOX 6 Now

In the 10 years since Charleston lost nine firefighters in the June 18, 2007, Sofa Super Store fire, the department has seen significant changes from the ground up and members say they are proud of the progress. Following the tragic fire, investigations conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and an independent review panel led by Gordon Routley—who wrote the Routley Report, laid the framework for changes that the department needed to consider.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Firehouse

The branch of the Houston Fire Department responsible for ensuring building safety keeps inadequate records, does not examine buildings on a regular schedule and inflated its inspection numbers, all while blowing past its overtime budget, according to an audit released by the city controller's office Thursday.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Houston Chronicle

The government’s building safety experts warned last year that the drive for greater energy efficiency meant more and more buildings are being wrapped in materials that could go up in flames. In a report compiled before the Grenfell Tower disaster on Wednesday, the Building Research Establishment, which works for the Department of Communities and Local Government on fire investigations, said attempts to innovate with insulation were leading to an “increase in the volume of potentially combustible materials being applied” to buildings.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Guardian

Barrow Neurological Institute unveiled a mobile treatment vehicle Wednesday stocked with emergency-room and communications equipment that will be used to provide faster intervention for stroke victims in the Phoenix area. Officials with Barrow, which is partnering with the Phoenix Fire Department in the effort, said their goal is to reduce deaths and long-term disabilities from strokes through quicker intervention.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com & KPNX-TV NBC 12 Phoenix

How do you improve the relationship between police, firefighters and the public? The city of Columbus is trying something new. People from the community are helping make the next hires in the police and fire department. The city has hired nine community evaluators; a diverse group from across the city.
- PUB DATE: 6/16/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WCMH-TV NBC 4 Columbus

On June 15, 1 residential fire fatality was reported by the Nation's news media.

Four Fond du Lac firefighters were sworn into different roles with the department Thursday morning. Nate Philipsky completed his 1 year probation to become a full fledged firefighter. Brian Vahsholtz was promoted to lieutenant. Lieutenant Jim Wamser is now a captain and Captain Jim Knowles becomes an assistant chief.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 7:02:57 PM - SOURCE: KFIZ

When the Ashippun Fire Department was created in 1917, the only equipment it had was an Obenchains Boyers chemical six-man hand pump with 150 feet of hose, some buckets and ladders. In the first half of the 20th century, it took the whole community to fight fires in Ashippun, said Fire Chief Deonne Eske.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 1:15:35 PM - SOURCE: Lake Country News

Kenosha aldermen are working to make open burning legal in city limits, despite strong opposition from the fire chief. An ordinance sponsored by Ald. Dan Prozanski would allow open burning under certain conditions. Prozanski, who represents District 14, said his constituents want the freedom to use outdoor fire pits and fireplaces on their property.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 6:29:29 AM - SOURCE: Kenosha News

Two people tubing Wednesday afternoon on the Chippewa River were rescued by Eau Claire firefighters. The Fire Department was called at 12:25 p.m. on a report of two people in distress on flotation devices. Firefighters located the two people about 30 feet off the riverbank near UW-Eau Claire. Fire crews used throw ropes to bring the people to shore.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 2:18:04 AM - SOURCE: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram

Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski was hit and killed by a passing vehicle while responding to an “unknown accident” on eastbound I-94, Kalamazoo County authorities say. Oshtemo Township Fire Department Chief Mark Barnes said it all started with the Comstock Township Department of Fire & Rescue looking for two crashes on eastbound I-94 near mile marker 81 around 10:30 p.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WOOD-TV NBC 8 Grand Rapids

Volunteer firefighters who separated from the Salisbury Fire Department Station 1 in February are suing the city and its fire chief for the return of equipment and other items they say belong to them, including religious pictures and a 60-inch Christmas wreath. The firefighters also are seeking $494,316 in damages in the case filed recently in District Court.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Delmarva Now

FirstNet still must complete a great deal of work, but the organization is more confident about building its much-anticipated nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSN) than it has been during any stage of its previous five years in existence, according to FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson. Swenson said that confidence is a reflection of two primary factors: 1.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Urgent Communications

Kevin Kolber, a battalion chief and 30-year veteran of the South Bend Fire Department, has died. Kolber, 58, of South Bend, died on Tuesday while visiting family. He was appointed to the department on Jan. 21, 1987, and spent his entire career at the central fire station. In the early 1990s, Kolber served as captain on Truck 1, and was promoted to battalion chief in 2003.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: South Bend Tribune

Relief could be in sight for about 2,500 property owners in southern Teller County, who since mid April have been without the services of their taxpayer-funded fire protection district. An impasse that started last year between volunteer firefighters and the board of the Four Mile Fire Protection District has reached a partial resolution, as the board hired a new fire chief Tuesday.
- PUB DATE: 6/15/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Gazette

On June 14, 0 residential fire fatalities were reported by the Nation's news media.

On June 13, 4 residential fire fatalities were reported by the Nation's news media.

The Superior Fire Department's efforts to equip middle school students with lifesaving skills earned state recognition Monday. Over the last four years, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Pediatric Champion of the Year Award has recognized a crew that responded to an emergency call involving children.
- PUB DATE: 6/14/2017 1:55:36 AM - SOURCE: Daily Telegram-Superior