A call comes in to 911-a house is on fire. There are family members outside, including a distraught mother whose baby is still inside. The Mat-Su Borough is sending out first responders directly. That was the scenario used recently during a multi-agency training session with Mat-Su Borough Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Butte Fire Department, Medic-1, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, and LifeMed Alaska. Using a smokehouse fire simulator to simulate a structure fire with five volunteer patients and a high-fidelity mannequin, as well as an infant mannequin, fire crews responded, donning their bunker gear and oxygen tanks to enter the structure. In the middle of extricating an adult, a firefighter also went down as part of the drill. Ambulance crews also responded to triage the patients and attempt to contain the distraught mother who kept returning to the home, acting every bit the panicked and worried mother whose baby was still inside the structure.  

Alaska Air National Guardsmen of the 176th Wing rescued an injured hunter Sept. 8 near Flat about 285 miles northwest of Anchorage. Alaska State Troopers requested support after the hunter messaged for help using a two-way satellite-communication device. The hunter, suffering from a deep laceration, was aided by his hunting partner who used an improvised tourniquet to slow the bleeding. At the request of the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, 176th Wing launched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King with 212th Rescue Squadron pararescuemen onboard both aircraft. The HH-60 crew located the hunter and hoisted the pararescuemen down to the hunter because surrounding brush prevented landing.  

Firefighters engaged a massive 5-Alarm fire at an unknown commercial building in Riverside County Monday afternoon. The fire was first reported at around 1:30 p.m. 22000 block of Opportunity Way where it quickly grew to engulf more than 10 acres of cardboard, outside storage area and other materials by 3 p.m. According to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, the flames were approximately 15 feet to 25 feet high. One firefighter was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment on non-life-threatening injuries suffered during the incident. A hard road closure was issued on Opportunity Way between Van Buren Boulevard and Meridian Parkway, according to firefighters.  

PHOTOS: Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Sunday marked the next chapter that will allow firefighters, police and other first responders to prepare for emergencies without leaving Carbon County. The rain also didn't stop various fire companies, law enforcement agencies, elected officials, friends and family from gathering on the Broad Mountain in Nesquehoning to ring in and celebrate the nearly complete Emergency Operations Training Center. The $10 million center has been in the works for over a decade. Fittingly, the new center was named after a firefighter with over a half century of experience, who was a driving force for the project. The Carbon County Firemen's Association officially named the new center after Commissioners' Chairman Wayne E. Nothstein.  

Firefighting is an occupation that comes with inherent risks. In addition to the physical demands, there are also health risks associated with the job. For instance, the rate at which firefighters develop cancer outpaces the general population by 9 percent, and their risk of dying from cancer is 14 percent higher, according to a study published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It turns out, though, that some of the equipment used to keep firefighters safe also puts them at risk. Firefighters rely on turnout gear and other personal protective equipment, such as a breathing apparatus, to keep them safe when battling flames, high temperatures, smoke and other elements associated with firefighting. Firefighting turnout gear is manufactured with fluorine, one of the compounds that makes the gear heat-resistant and waterproof. When fluorine is combined with carbon compounds the union creates "forever chemicals."  

The bills are expected to help and support New Yorkers "whose lives were transformed on that terrible day." In remembrance of the 21st anniversary of 9/11, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul today signed five pieces of legislation that officials believe will provide support to 9/11 victims, survivors and their families. "New Yorkers will never forget the horrific events of September 11, 2001 -- and we will never forget the bravery and sacrifice of the civilians and first responders who lives were forever changed," Hochul said. "As we mark the twenty-first anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, I am honored to sign these five new laws that will support and honor those whose lives were transformed on that terrible day." One bill establishes a simplified alternative method for Victim Compensation Fund awards, consisting solely of non-economic losses such as emotional damages.  

PHOTOS: A Whitewater firefighter is coming up on a major milestone in his career, as he will hit 50 years of service before he retires next summer. You can usually find Terry Phelps behind the wheel of a fire truck. "I grew up on the fire department," Phelps said. "My dad was on for 25 years." Service is in Phelps' blood. He was 21 years old when he decided to join the department and join in his dad's footsteps. He is now 71 years old and one of his daughters works with the Sun Prairie Fire Department. "I remember when I first got on. It's been a good ride," Phelps said. He's now closing in on 50 years of service and will retire next summer. It's been a long career for him, but as a volunteer he's said it's more of a passion of his than anything else. "It's an adrenaline rush of some sorts, but it's kept me going in retirement," Phelps said.