Governor approves legislation to support search and rescue volunteers

Governor Mike Dunleavy has signed the Ellie Mae Act to provide support to statewide volunteer search and rescue organizations at no cost to the state. Senate Bill 95, sponsored by Sen. David Wilson, allows volunteer search and rescue organizations to exercise the right of first refusal on items related to search and rescue before the property is sold, leased, licensed, or disposed of. “As Alaskans we hear countless stories of search and rescue missions, oftentimes due to the extreme elements we experience statewide. From recreational incidents to the Iditarod and natural disasters, our search and rescue volunteers play an essential role in rural and urban Alaska,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I am happy to sign Senate Bill 95 today and thank Senator Wilson for his work to find innovative solutions to support these selfless volunteer organizations at no cost to the state.”
KINY-AM 103.5 Juneau

Alaska State Fire Marshal Richard Boothby set to retire

Alaska State Fire Marshal Richard Boothby announced his retirement from the Alaska Department of Public Safety, effective Aug. 12. Boothby has served as the Alaska State Fire Marshal since his appointment in January 2019, after a storied career with fire departments across Southcentral Alaska. Since 2019 Boothby has served as the state’s top firefighter overseeing the review of commercial building plans, the investigation of significant fires across the state, and the training and certification of thousands of firefighters across Alaska. “Richard has served Alaskans with honor and distinction as the State’s top fire official and has made significant operational improvements in the Division of Fire and Life Safety that will be felt for decades after his well-earned retirement,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell.
KINY-AM 800/FM 103.5 Juneau

Anchorage Fire Department responds to ‘devastating’ fire

Today(Wednesday), the Anchorage Fire Department responded to a residential fire at 10:52 a.m., near 12200 Avion St. Anchorage Fire Department Assistant Chief Alex Boyd said that the house was not occupied at the time of the fire, but the department responded with 16 units, including three water-tender suits. The area doesn’t have its own fire hydrants. Boyd reported that the fire was brought under control shortly after 11:30 a.m. and that the house was significantly damaged by both fire and water. “The fire is devastating for the residents who have experienced a significant loss due to this event,” Boyd said. At this time, no injuries have been reported, and the origin and cause of the fire are under investigation.
KTUU-TV NBC 2 Anchorage