The Abilene Fire Department launched a Virus Response Unit Monday to respond to calls in which patients exhibit symptoms associated with the coronavirus COVID-19. The unit is being activated after an increase in calls involving flu-like symptoms, according to an AFD news release. The VRU is comprised of two paramedic/firefighters who will staff the department's Medic 1 vehicle. Normal response to these types of calls is to send either a fire engine or ladder truck, the release said. "Assigning a specialized team to these calls allows personnel from this unit to become more familiar with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 patients, and it also minimizes possible exposure to AFD personnel," the release said. A second VRU is being prepared and readied, should need arise. If the VRU is not available, a fire engine will respond, the release said. A new COVID-19 protocol also was distributed to fire personnel Monday, created in association with Metrocare, to better serve potential patients and ensure the safety of first responders.  

In Dallas, an entire fire station was temporarily shut down for cleaning, and nine firefighters are off work, quarantined after a fellow firefighter tested positive for Covid-19. In Fort Worth, nearly 200 vital N-95 protective masks are used daily by ambulance crews, as North Texas and the rest of the world scramble to get more in the battle against the novel coronavirus. Meanwhile, some fire departments are running out of the masks, and looking for other ways to protect themselves from the virus. "Nationwide, N-95 respirators are in short supply. So we have developed some contingency plans," said Jake Owen, battalion chief for the Frisco Fire Department. Among them, ambulances in Frisco are equipped with regular firefighting masks – normally worn in smoke-filled buildings – with each specially fitted with a filtration cannister, providing protection in case the N-95s are not available.  

The Longview Fire Department is investigating a Saturday night structure fire. According to the LFD, crews responded to the blaze around 11:25 p.m. at 703 Sabine Street, near Stamper Park. Officials say there were three people occupying the structure at the time of the fire. They all escaped unharmed. "The cause of the fire is under investigation and it is believed to have been started by one of the occupants," the LFD said in a statement. If anyone has information about the fire, they are urged to call the Longview Fire Marshal's Office at 903-237-1217.  

In response to the COVID-19 viral crisis, the Corsicana Fire Department has updated its policies and procedures when handling Emergency Medical Services calls. The department released a video Friday, March 20 demonstrating its new line of Personal Protection Equipment. The video can be found on its Facebook page. The extra protective gear now covers the responder's hands, nose, and mouth to ensure EMS does not spread infection or get infected themselves. The new look consists of a body apron, gloves, and face mask. In cases requiring extra protection, a "Level B" suit will be utilized. The uniform provides full coverage, consisting of a body suit, gloves, visor, and breathing mask.  

Fire destroyed a home on Cannon Lane in Knollwood Monday morning. The fire broke out around 10:45 a.m. According to the Sherman Fire Department battalion chief, two people were inside the home when it caught fire; neither was hurt. The home was declared a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Knollwood is a small enclave just northwest of Sherman Town Center.  

The city of Fort Worth announced March 20 a new initiative by the Fort Worth Police Officers Association and the Fort Worth Fire Department to support local restaurants that have suffered a decrease in business due to the coronavirus outbreak. Both organizations have begun selecting Fort Worth restaurants from which to purchase bulk meals each day in order to feed firefighters and officers during their day-to-day activities, according to a city news release. "We will identify our most vulnerable local restaurants and focus on providing necessary orders to keep them afloat," POA President Manny Ramirez said in the release. "The goal of this effort is two-fold—to ensure that our local economy can survive these tumultuous time; and to ensure that our dedicated frontline police officers have at least one good meal as they protect and serve."  

Fire departments in Arizona went straight to the state Capitol Monday after a workers' compensation insurance company said their firefighters would not receive coverage if they contracted COVID-19 on the job. A voicemail was sent to Arizona's Family confirming that's what 7710 Insurance said, but the company is now admitting they made a mistake. But fire departments are still waiting for that confirmation themselves. It was last Tuesday, March 17, when the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority got a voicemail from 7710 insurance. "At this time, 7710 is not considering paying indemnity and benefits for people who are placed in quarantine. We are viewing it as, um, part of the hazards of life which the general public is exposed," the woman said on the voicemail.  

After weeks of protests and motions from City Council trying to prevent it, Engine 11 in the South End has been decommissioned. New Bedford Firefighters Local 841 sent out a statement about the closure on Sunday, highlighting the fact that the closure happened during a pandemic. The statement said the closure adds to response times and reduces the level of preparedness that the city needs amid the current time of uncertainty. "There is no other community in the commonwealth that is diminishing their response capabilities amongst this national pandemic," the statement said. The statement also said that Mayor Jon Mitchell decided to reduce the number of first responders and apparatus available "during a time of need." When Fire Chief Paul Coderre announced the decommissioning of Engine 11 he said no layoffs would result from it, which Mitchell reaffirmed when reached for comment.  

In the battle against coronavirus, first responders are stocking up on the tools they need to stay safe, including personal protective equipment and ultraviolet lights that zap the potentially deadly COVID-19. Upper Pine Fire Protection District began using two portable ultraviolet lighting devices, which cost about $6,000 total, to disinfect ambulances and fire stations. Durango Fire Protection District has an ultraviolet lamp coming soon. The germicidal ultraviolet technology, made by EvergreenUV of Memphis, Tennessee, is one way to provide extra security to emergency responders when other equipment is in short supply. "There's a personal protective equipment shortage everywhere," said Bruce Evans, Upper Pine fire chief. "It's difficult, not impossible, but it is difficult (to get supplies)." Responders wear personal protective equipment, like Tyvek suits, eye-protection and N95 masks, when they respond to a call in which the patient expresses virus-related symptoms.  

The California Highway Patrol has closed its academy because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Cal Fire says its training academy in Ione is staying open for classes for its recruits. "These are essential classes that we need to continue with," Cal Fire spokesman Scott McLean said. "We are very cognizant of the situation and we will constantly re-evaluate the situation as conditions change." But with the state having endured years of devastating wildfires, Cal Fire says classes and training for recruits remains necessary, although officials are increasing the distance between recruits in classrooms and in training. Some other classes, such as training sessions for public information officers, are being scrapped for now because of the COVID-19 outbreak. But training for firefighters is continuing. "It's something we don't treat lightly," McLean said. "We're going to continue to review this on a regular basis and if something's not working out we're going to stop it."  

The state is trying to avoid depleting the ranks of police and fire departments – and the prison – after the governor activated the R.I. National Guard last week. Gov. Gina Raimondo said on Monday she has heard from city and town leaders concerned that activating the guard could make it hard for public safety officials to properly staff their police and fire departments, where personnel often serve in the armed services. While the governor said at news conference that first responders "will not be called up," the reality is that the guard is assessing each person on a case-by-case basis. The news is welcome to many communities that are also dealing with staffing issues related to the coronavirus itself. In Providence, Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré said on Friday 10 officers were being kept home on self-quarantine.