Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued three disaster declarations. The 2022 Spring Floods, the 2022 Lowell Point Landslide in the City of Seward, and the Galena Fire Hall roof collapse will now be eligible for State of Alaska disaster recovery programs. Governor Dunleavy activated Public Assistance and Individual Assistance for the 2022 Spring Floods and Public Assistance for the 2022 Lowell Point Landslide and 2022 Galena Fire Hall. "We have declared three disaster declarations that are now eligible for disaster recovery programs to ensure Alaskans have the proper resources to combat the after-effects of the floods, landslides, and collapses this year," said Governor Dunleavy. "As always, I am impressed with how Alaskans persevere no matter the situation – I am encouraged to see so many communities, tribal organizations, and volunteer organizations step up to help each other".  

A massive fire destroyed a manufacturing plant in Spring Hope in Nash County late Saturday night and early Sunday, officials said. The fire started about 11:30 p.m. at JHRG Manufacturing, which makes protector fabrics, including body armor, according to Spring Hope police and fire officials. Several agencies eventually were able to control of fire, but the building was destroyed, according to Spring Hope fire officials. Video from the scene showed flames leaping into the air along with massive smoke clouds. There were also crumbled building walls from the fire in downtown Spring Hope, which is about 8 miles northeast of Zebulon. JRHG produces ballistic vests, body armor and protective clothing, according to McRae's Blue Book.  

PHOTOS: Minutes can matter when Enid's firefighters are responding to calls reporting a blaze or smoke. Because a fire could've already grown exponentially once first responders from Enid Fire Department arrive, they need to know how much flow of water is within nearby fire hydrants, said new EFD Chief Jason Currier. This year, while conducting annual flow tests at the more than 2,600 hydrants within the city of Enid, EFD began placing reflective, plastic rings on the hydrants to show how many gallons per minute (GPM) of water flowed from them. "By the time somebody sees (the fire), it's already really going," Currier said. "It takes us time to get there and set up, and not having to worry about finding another fire hydrant saves us a lot of time. ... We know what to expect out of that fire hydrant."  

As Corpus Christi Fire Department cadets were recognized by friends, family and city officials Thursday evening at Del Mar College, one word kept coming up: pioneer. The 22 future firefighters were celebrated for their completion of an innovative paramedic training program. The cadets were the first people in the country to attempt a simultaneous, expedited emergency medical technician and paramedic training course. EMT and paramedic certifications are typically offered as separate courses, one after the other. The Corpus Christi Fire Department requires cadets to earn both certifications in addition to firefighter certification. The new Del Mar College program cut the timeline by at least three months. "This model is the future of how fire departments across the country will be training future firefighters and paramedics," CCFD Chief Robert Rocha said. Donovan Dillon participated in the program, earned his paramedic certification and is near completion of firefighter training.  

PHOTOS: It was described as the "largest and most elegantly appointed boarding house in the Northwest." Butte's Hale House, constructed in 1895, offered nearly 200 rooms "for the busy toilers of the great copper camp." The Anaconda Standard newspaper described it as modern in every way, constructed of brick and stone, with "everything to make it complete in drainage, light, heat and ventilation." It included "spacious halls, a good library well supplied with books, and all the leading magazines and dailies, free for the use of the guests." The great kitchen, reported the newspaper, contained "every device for convenience and cleanliness … and the immense dining room is a model of neatness." Opening night at the Hale House was a great social affair.  

Under the direction of Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the Honolulu Hale will light up this week to commemorate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week. The Hale will be lit up in the colors of the city's ambulances (orange, blue, and white) from sunset on Sunday May, 15 to sunrise on Saturday, May, 21. With this year's theme being "EMS: Rising to the Challenge," to thank the professionals at EMS for their outstanding service. "I continue to be impressed with our City Emergency Medical Services heroes for their tireless service and dedication to serving the public," said Mayor Blangiardi. "Their commitment is nothing short of truly remarkable. I hope you will join us in celebrating the 47th Annual National Emergency Medical Services Week, a week that acknowledges the dedicated, determined, courageous individuals who respond to more than 100,000 emergency medical calls on O‘ahu annually. Thank you to our heroes at EMS for consistently Rising to the Challenge as the primary emergency medical responder, responsible for providing treatment and transport to one million residents and millions of visitors."