Eighteen wildfires ignited across the state over the weekend, including at least seven in the Fairbanks area, according to the Alaska Fire Service, and more lightning activity was expected across the region Sunday. One of the fires that erupted Saturday includes the Any Creek Fire, which was reported around 2 p.m. Saturday north of the intersection of Old Murphy Dome Road and Resolution Road. That fire, located approximately 10 miles north of Fairbanks, resulted in an evacuation warning. As of 9 p.m. Saturday, the evacuation alert for Any Creek Fire was downgraded to a Level 1, meaning residents should remain ready to leave in case fire activity worsens. The notice is in effect for the estimated 15-20 residents living the O'Connor Creek subdivision, which includes Hattie Creek Road, Resolution Road, Determination Lane and Adit Lane. The fire is still uncontained.  

COVID-19 is impacting the way land managers prepare for and respond to wildfires, but satellite technology developed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is helping provide data to help managers make informed decisions. Satellites have played an increasingly important role for fire response nationwide in recent years, but the programs used have not always been the most applicable for the conditions in Alaska. "We had big fires in 2012. There was one just outside of Fairbanks in the military zone south of the Tanana River, and I was looking at remote sensing data and familiarizing myself with this field and their fire detection data that we get from the satellite," Chris Waigl, a postdoctoral fellow at UAF, said. "The sensor kept telling us there was no fire, but we could see it."  

The North Star Volunteer Fire Department services the largest area in the borough with 25,000 people living in their area. Last year they responded to 1,400 calls and said they have roughly the same amount of structure fires as the Fairbanks Fire Department each year. They also don't have any ambulances. Their firefighters are able to offer most of the same services that an ambulance can, but they need to rely on other departments to transport victims to the hospital. However, the members of North Star say it's the people that really make it special. "It's a great time, we all joke around with each other, poke fun at each other, you know, it's because we all care for each other," said Captain Chris Edsell. "The department just doing that one small gesture, you know, shows that the department really cares about the members whether they are paid or volunteer."  

Chief Gary Ludwig, IAFC President and Chairman of the Board, asked Congress to support local fire and EMS departments as he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. During his testimony, Chief Ludwig highlighted the importance of local fire and EMS departments to helping victims of COVID-19. "Regardless of whether they are from career, volunteer or combination departments, fire and EMS personnel are providing aid every day to victims of COVID-19. When a person suffering from COVID-19 calls 9-1-1, fire and EMS personnel meet them in their homes, provide aid and transport them to the hospital," said Chief Ludwig. Chief Ludwig's testimony highlighted the challenges that local fire departments face during the pandemic.  

Survivors of COVID-19 are donating their blood plasma in droves in hopes it helps other patients recover from the coronavirus. And while the jury's still out, now scientists are testing if the donations might also prevent infection in the first place. Thousands of coronavirus patients in hospitals around the world have been treated with so-called convalescent plasma — including more than 20,000 in the U.S. — with little solid evidence so far that it makes a difference. One recent study from China was unclear while another from New York offered a hint of benefit. "We have glimmers of hope," said Dr. Shmuel Shoham of Johns Hopkins University. With more rigorous testing of plasma treatment underway, Shoham is launching a nationwide study asking the next logical question: Could giving survivors plasma right after a high-risk exposure to the virus stave off illness?  

Firefighters across Ohio are mourning the death of Russell Brode, the former president of Akron's firefighter union, who they said died Saturday from what's referred to as "occupational cancer," or cancer he acquired through fighting fires. Brode, 54, spent years pushing for better care and training for Ohio firefighters facing the same risk from inhaling cancer-causing toxins released by smoke and other chemicals. The International Association of Firefighters has said cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. "In the last month, I've been to three funerals of recently retired firefighters who've died of cancer way too young," Brode told WKYC in 2015 when the Cleveland television station was reporting on cancer risks among firefighters. Two years later, Ohio passed a law allowing firefighters and former firefighters with occupational cancer to file claims for workers' compensation. The law also provided funding to train firefighters on how to prevent exposure to cancer-causing toxins.  

VIDEO: Over 150 firefighters battled a fire at a vacant building in Shelton. Crews were called to the vacant building on Canal Street around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, firefighters said. Firefighters from Shelton, Derby and Ansonia responded to the fire and it took more than 155 firefighters to help put out the flames, authorities added. Due to the age and condition of the building, crews said they utilized a defensive strategy. Embers from the fire spilled over into the Apex Fire Warehouse, according to fire officials. Crews are expected to stay at the scene to clean up and put out hot spots. The building was the old Star Pin Company and it was built in 1870, according to fire crews.  

The firefighter's fraternity is a tight one. Due to the many perils of the job, they must rely on each other to remain safe while saving structures and lives. "There is a lot of trust there," said third-generation Elk River firefighter Chad Kreuser. But for Kreuser and fellow firefighter Ryan Wolcenski, it's grown to be so much more: Kreuser learned that he suffers from polycystic kidney disease and in rapid need of a lifesaving kidney transplant. "It's kind of one of those things that you have no control over, so you hope for the best," said Keuser. So when the search began for possible donors, fellow firefighter Wolcenski didn't bat an eye. He quickly volunteered to be tested to see if by chance he would be a suitable match. "I didn't, didn't even hesitate," Wolcenski explained. A couple months later, Kreuser got the news few expected and was both shocked and pleased to learn his kidney was a perfect match. "I got an email from my [medical] team that said, ‘congratulations! you're a match,'" said Wolcenski.