MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES–With fire season right around the corner, knowing when a fire starts in your area can mean the difference between life and death. Nearly every wildfire fatality occurs within the first hour, yet official notifications are often delayed, sparse, or non-existent.  Watch Duty (WD), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real time when ...

FRESNO STATE —  Faculty from Fresno State‘s Lyle College of Engineering are making significant strides in research, with new innovations receiving local and global recognition.  These breakthroughs are set to impact industries ranging from emergency services to transportation safety and prosthetic technology. Firefighting: Human & Animal Detection in Low Visibility To begin, Dr. Hovannes Kulhandjian, associate professor of electrical and ...

SACRAMENTO – Firefighters who risk their lives on the frontlines of California’s biggest and most destructive wildfires are endorsing a YES vote on Prop 4. The initiative will be on the November ballot. It would invest $10B to prevent wildfires, provide clean drinking water, and protect California’s natural beauty. “Recent California wildfires have burned two million acres, released toxic smoke ...

Eugene R. Harvey March 10, 1934 – July 17, 2024 Eugene R. Harvey (Gene) Born March 10, 1934 in Fresno, Ca. After a lengthy bout with Alzheimer’s disease, Gene passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024. A lifelong resident of North Fork, he attended North Fork Elementary School, and graduated from Sierra High School in 1952 where he played varsity ...

Mark E Holland September 21,1978 – November 19, 2023 Beloved USFS Fire Captain/Patrolman Mark Holland passed away in a tragic accident on November 19th, 2023.   Mark is survived by his parents Carl and Laura Holland, Sister Carla Holland-Shuster, Nieces Hayley and Alison Shuster, Nephew Travis Shuster. Daughters Sadie Burrough and Kamryn Holland.  Step sons Skylar Neville and Tristan Killian. Fiance ...

Cal OES and California Military Department Partner to Create Nations First Military Firefighting Strike Team. This Partnership Helps Strengthen the State’s Ability to Quickly Respond to Climate-Driven Disasters MATHER, CALIFORNIA — Highlighting the state’s commitment to innovative solutions to tackle climate-induced natural disasters, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Military Department today announced the ...

COARSEGOLD — A “fun run” and lively Cornhole competition were just two of the highlights of this weekend’s “Hootenanny” at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds. The second-annual event is a fundraiser for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF). Event organizer Erin Capuchino said this year’s hootenanny was expected to draw more than 200 attendees. Last year’s inaugural event raised about $7,000 for ...

Written by Naomi Flam – MARIPOSA – Even firefighters need help with their pets! Tom from Yucaipa, Calif., is helping at the Ferguson Fire. His dog Boss is being taken care of during the day at Mariposa SPCA while he’s working at the fire. At night, Tom will have his pup with him. Thank you Tom for your hard work ...

CALIFORNIA — NBC television host Ellen DeGeneres is inviting local firefighters to attend a taping of her show as a way to say “thank you” for the service they provide, statewide. Ellen took time in her first broadcast of the new year to thank the people who responded to fires that threatened the Santa Barbara-area home she shares with Portia ...

NORTH FORK — After a combined 60-plus years of service to the community as Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs), Jere and Diann Miller are retiring. At a special dinner on Monday, Nov. 6, the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary bid a fond but sad farewell to the couple, who have responded to fires, accidents and medical aids from Station 11 ...