PHOTOS: Multiple fire departments are still battling a large fire burning at a chicken farm in a rural part of Northeast Brazos County. The fire was reported just after 5 p.m. at Feather Crest Farms near Fickey Road east of Kurten and officials Monday night said it could be days before it's fully extinguished. Black plumes of smoke could be seen as far away as Limestone County as two buildings burned on the property, but it's unclear what exactly started it. There is no public threat or hazmat concerns linked to the blaze, authorities said in a news conference Monday evening. According to Brazos County Sheriff Wayne Dicky, Democrat Road is closed and all lanes of Highway 21 are back open, but authorities are urging people to stay away from the area and not stop on the side of the road to take photos.  

VIDEOS/PHOTOS: A local fire truck that comes to you? Now that sounds like fun! The idea for the Bayou Firetruck came from a team of firefighters who were inspired by the kids, family and community members who often visit them at work. Their goal is to bring the joy and experience of a firetruck to as many people as possible, while also learning about the fire service. They focus on events that interact with the community, including children's birthday parties, career days, and even wedding send offs – giving people the opportunity to climb in the truck and explore it. Bayou firetruck was created by husband and wife duo Thomas & Nichole Doussan. Thomas is a Professional Firefighter/Captain, and Nichole works full time in the Emergency Department as a PA.  

San Antonio fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire at an abandoned home on the city's West Side late Monday night. The fire was called just after 11 p.m. at a home in the 3100 block of West Houston Street, not far from West Travis Street and Elmendorf Lake Park. Firefighters said when they arrived, they found a residential structure fully engulfed in flames. They were able to put the fire out quickly and without incident. Fire officials said the fire may, however, have been intentionally set. The house had a fire two days ago in the back of the house and there were no working utilities inside the home. The house is now considered a total loss, as firefighters did bring the structure to the ground. There were no reported injuries. The San Antonio Fire Department and San Antonio Police Department both answered the call.  

VIDEO: The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo celebrated Military Appreciation Night on Monday and took the time to honor another group of heroes who jumped into action for this community. The stock show paid tribute to the first responders who were at the scene of the Sandman Signature Hotel explosion in downtown Fort Worth earlier this month. "I was really honored," said Captain Ryan Pack with the Fort Worth Fire Department. "All the firefighters that get involved in this line of work, you want to be a voice of help in a moment of crisis." The blast injured 21 people at the downtown hotel on January 8, shutting down surrounding streets and businesses as investigators launched a full-scale response to the incident. Suspected to involve natural gas, the investigation into the cause of the explosion is still ongoing.  

PHOTOS: Multiple fire departments are still battling a large fire burning at a chicken farm in a rural part of Northeast Brazos County. The fire was reported just after 5 p.m. at Feather Crest Farms near Fickey Road east of Kurten and officials Monday night said it could be days before it's fully extinguished. Black plumes of smoke could be seen as far away as Limestone County as two buildings burned on the property, but it's unclear what exactly started it. There is no public threat or hazmat concerns linked to the blaze, authorities said in a news conference Monday evening. According to Brazos County Sheriff Wayne Dicky, Democrat Road is closed and all lanes of Highway 21 are back open, but authorities are urging people to stay away from the area and not stop on the side of the road to take photos.  

Imagine that you're jogging down a trail and you trip on a rock. You've twisted your ankle, and there's nobody around. So you call 911, but the dispatchers don't know where you are and neither do you. Well, you're in luck. Orange County has implemented a new form of emergency communications technology that allows residents to make video calls to first responders. That means people in need can not only describe their emergencies, but also show them — helping responders to identify locations and assess more precisely the level of danger someone may face. This technology is the first of its kind in Central Florida and has the potential to save lives in a new and innovative way. There are many different scenarios in which the 911 video software may be useful, Kimberly Stewart-Horan, Division Chief of Communications for Orange County Fire Rescue, said.  

A new bill proposed by State Representative Daniel Pae (R-Lawton) would void costs of medical screenings for Oklahoma firefighters. House Bill 3573 was named "Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act." The yearly screenings covered in the bill are for lung, prostate, testicular, skin, colon and breast cancers. The bill not only covers all permanent firefighters, but umbrellas over volunteer firefighters as well. "The Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act, devoid of deductibles and co-payments, is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding those who risk their lives and health tirelessly protecting our communities," Pae said. "By confronting cancer head-on and encouraging early detection, we can give all of Oklahoma's firefighters their best chance for a healthy and resilient future."