VIDEO/PHOTOS: Lubbock Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle that struck a gas meter then caught fire near 82nd and Frankford Ave. Monday morning. At 8:15 a.m., crews were called to the 6000 block of 77th Street for a hit gas meter. Crews arrived and found a gas meter, a concrete truck, an electrical box and a shed on fire, threatening a nearby residence. Units were able to contain the fire without it spreading. ATMOS and LP&L were called to assist and isolate the power and gas underneath the truck. The driver of the truck was able to exit the vehicle safely. Crews remained on scene while the truck was removed from the alleyway.  

VIDEO: City officials unveiled a re-vamped fire and EMS station in Southeast Austin this weekend. The new and improved Fire Station 22 and EMS Station 12 is part of a larger push to renovate and build new stations to meet the needs of a growing city. "This is a critical public safety station," said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson at the ribbon cutting on Saturday. "Austin is growing very rapidly and with that growth comes a responsibility on the part of the city to expand and modernize our public safety infrastructure." The renovation of the station on East Riverside and Faro Drive began in April 2023. Officials say the 50-year-old station was in desperate need of an upgrade. "We had no running water in the EMS kitchenette, and the staff had to use a single bathroom sink for both their personal hygiene as well as to clean dishes for cooking and for water," said ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz.  

Several apartments were damaged in a fire in south Austin Tuesday morning. The Austin Fire Department responded to the fire at South Village Apartments on the I-35 frontage road, just south of William Cannon Drive. When firefighters arrived on scene, the fire was "showing from several apartments" and through the roof of the two-story complex, AFD said. The fire has since been knocked down, and crews were working to extinguish hot spots. All residents of the complex were evacuated safely, AFD said. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.  

VIDEO: Two buildings have been damaged after catching fire near N.W. 6th Avenue and N. Washington Street. According to the Amarillo Fire Department, several fire units were sent to a possible structure fire. Upon arrival, responders found one building was fully involved. While firefighters worked to extinguish the first building, another nearby building caught on fire. A second alarm was called. Officials say both structures were damaged. One occupant of one home was checked by medical services, but was not transported. No other injuries were reported.  

VIDEO/PHOTOS: A blazing tower of flame and black smoke sizzled the air Monday as a bright yellow airport fire truck quietly rolled up, then let loose with its two water cannons. Inside, next to a Jacksonville firefighter, was Mayor Donna Deegan, getting a test ride on the new diesel-electric hybrid truck that the fire department is investigating for purchase from Oshkosh Airport Products in Wisconsin. Dual torrents of water quickly extinguished the towering inferno during the demonstration of the six-wheel-drive Striker Volterra fire truck. Its manufacturer says the truck could save up to 40% in fuel costs due to its ability to maneuver on electric power alone if needed. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Powers says that is just one reason the city is investigating the truck, which could be used to fight aircraft incidents involving major companies that fly out of Cecil Airport, including Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Flightstar Aircraft Services and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  

VIDEO: Cincinnati State is building the next generation of first responders amid a national shortage of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The EMT and Paramedic Program allows students to gain firsthand experience in hopes of bringing more EMTs and paramedics into the field. "It's really about building the program and getting more students to come in ... to get to the paramedic level, you have to start as an EMT, so we're just adding more and more EMT classes to try and open that gateway up for students," said Shawn Stacy, program chair. According to JobsOhio Regional Network, the demand for emergency medical technicians and paramedics is projected to increase by 3.6% in 2030. Despite that need, Madeira & Indian Hill Fire Chief Stephen Oughterson said departments continue to see a decrease in the number of applicants for EMTs.  

Stellantis said Monday it is recalling 194,000 plug-in hybrid electric Jeep SUVs to address fire risks after 13 fires were reported, and it told owners to park outside and away from other vehicles until recall repairs are completed. The Italian-American automaker is recalling some 2020 through 2024 model year Jeep Wrangler and 2022 through 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids. The issue involves a battery component, the company said. The Chrysler-parent company said the fires occurred when the vehicles were parked and turned off. It estimates 5% of affected vehicles may have the defect. Stellantis said vehicle risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted and said owners are advised to refrain from recharging and should park away from structures or other vehicles. The company said a remedy is imminent.