Home is a ’total loss’ after fatal fire near Newman Lake in Spokane County

VIDEO/PHOTOS: One person is dead after a "total loss" house fire near Newman Lake. Two other homes suffered minor damage in addition to the extreme damage of a cabin, according to Daron Bement, Newman Lake Fire and Rescue's Fire Chief. When local fire crews arrived, the home was completely engulfed in flames. Newman Fire quickly asked for aid from surrounding areas due to the immediate wildfire threat. The home is near heavy brush, tress and timber. Two homes sustained minor damages but crews prevented the fire from spreading to the nearby homes. Investigation crews declared the man inside the home missing for several hours after the fire. After awhile, Chief Bement declared there was no longer an opportunity for a rescue due to the intensity of the heat inside the home. Shortly after, the man's body was found inside.
KREM-TV CBS 2 Spokane

Washington National Guard prepares for wildfire season with DNR training at JBLM

PHOTOS: Deep in the forest of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Training Area 13, the next batch of Washington National Guard wildland firefighters honed their skills on Sunday, April 28, in preparation of the upcoming fire season. Approximately 127 guardsmen participated in the annual wildfire training program led by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Roy. Guardsmen had previously completed online training, but they put the skills they learned to the test for the first time at the training event. They began at a slow pace to establish their skills before they simulated a live fire event to test their readiness for a real-world wildfire situation. By the end of the day, guardsmen received qualifications at the Firefighter Type 2 level.
Nisqually Valley News

Team Rubicon volunteering to clean up outdoor Tri-City spaces for wildfire prevention

The City of Kennewick is teaming up with team Rubicon to help combat against this year's fire season. Team Rubicon is a non-profit and 70% veteran ran and volunteer driven. This week, team Rubicon is at Zintel Canyon to help reduce the wild fire risk to the community. Team members are moving a lot of fine and medium fuels that would catch fire during a wind-driven fire. Leader of Team Rubicon Michael Chiu said "By reducing fuel load, you're reducing the potential intensity of the fire and may be reducing the rate of spread. By reducing the intensity and rate of spread, it gives the firefighters of Kennewick a little bit more opportunity to defend the homes." Due to the cleanup from team Rubicon at Zintel, the park and trail will be closed occasionally from now through May 5.
Apple Valley New Now

Two firefighters injured in Spokane shopping center fire

VIDEO: Two firefighters were injured as the Spokane Fire Department responded to a fire at the U.S Bank in the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center on the South Hill. "One was knocked down by the roof and the other two were able to pull him out to safety. They are all walking around and doing okay," said Justin de Ruyter with the Spokane Fire Department. According to SFD, employees of the U.S. Bank building said they could smell smoke and believed the fire was in the attic. Responding crews reported black smoke and flames from the building and quickly called a second alarm, making more resources available. "First alarm is about 30 firefighters on scene. Once we deplete that then we go to a second alarm. We reserve that for advanced first," said, de Ruyter. At one point, firefighters called "mayday" when the roof of the building collapsed.
KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

Follow Up: Lineage warehouse fire in Benton County still smoldering, investigation into cause underway

The Lineage Logistics warehouse fire continues to smolder after burning on April 21. The fire and subsequent smoky conditions prompted air quality concerns over the past week and Benton County Fire District #1 has provided some updates on the state of the fire and current air quality conditions. While the fire is still smoldering, it will eventually burn itself out and air quality will improve, according to BCFD1. Fire crews remain on scene throughout the day and overnight and water is being applied from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Firefighters can't safely get to the parts of the fire that are still smoldering, according to BCFD1 and aerial water resources cannot be used due to contractual limitations on their deployment. Representatives from the Washington State Department of Ecology remain on scene daily to monitor air quality for any adverse effects.
NBC Right Now

Federal disaster declared for 16 Washington counties following winter weather

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a disaster declaration for 16 counties in Washington state, following weeks of extreme winter weather in January. The disaster declaration makes federal aid available for local governments and nonprofit agencies, not individuals. It covers Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Ferry, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Skagit, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties. The declaration also covers the Colville Indian Reservation. It is the fourth major disaster declaration the Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued for Washington state since January 2022.
KUOW-FM 94.9 Seattle