Quick takes
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Three-alarm fire in Everett, Washington: The fire gutted a large building that is part of the Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center. One firefighter was injured after falling during the Tuesday afternoon fire. Click here for more details and pictures.
The man in the middle of the PGFD firefighter arson probe tells his story to STATter911.com: We have updated the article about our interview Tuesday with Jerry Engle, author and former volunteer firefighter in Prince George’s County. Engle claims he watched as three firefighters from Riverdale set a vacant house on fire in March of 2008. We have since found a description of the fire on Riverdale VFD’s website that matches some of Engle’s account. Both the home where Engle is living and the Riverdale firehouse were raided on Monday as investigators gather evidence connected to the targets of the investigation. Jerry Engle says he didn’t set any fires and wants to take a polygraph. So far, no arrests have been announced. Click here for a detailed account including videos, pictures and the complete interview with Engle, who proclaimed himself the top firefighter in the county.
Another firefighter arson probe: This one is in Australia and it has much more serious implications. A captain who reported the sawmill fire that sparked the bushfire that killed 38 people in February proclaims his innocence. While he hasn’t been charged with anything, the captain believes he has been unfairly targeted. Read more.
House fire where firefighter’s body was found is ruled arson: In Oklahoma, Osage Fire Department volunteer Michael Cobb’s body was found inside a burning home last Tuesday. Cobb was last seen an hour before the blaze at a fire company meeting. While they are providing few details, investigators say the fire was deliberately set. Read the article.
More tragedy for Houston: A Houston Fire Department cadet died Tuesday after collapsing during PT a week earlier. Click here for more and at Firefighter Close Calls.
Michigan chief gets a year’s salary: That is now the parting gift for former Brighton Area Fire Chief Martin Deloach. We had previously reported Deloach’s sudden firing in March. Read the details.
Wreck during driver’s training: Firegeezer has details of a collision between a fire truck and a utility pole on Sunday in Kane County, Illinois that left two firefighters injured.
Salvation Army opts out of Rhode Island canteen operation: The Special Signal Fire Association has responded for decades to fires and other emergencies in support of public safety personnel. The Salvation Army has provided the trucks and an old firehouse used as a headquarters. Budget cuts and a change in philosophy are changing this arrangement. The Salvation Army state coordinator told projo.com, “We are trying very hard to make sure our Christian message gets out, and the Special Signal Association is not particularly a Christian organization.” Read more.
