Over 320 wildfires are burning statewide in Alaska, consuming over half a million acres in total, according to the Alaska Wildland Fire Dashboard. The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service and Division of Forestry continue to monitor the progression of the fires, four of which have caused significant concern. Over the past 48 hours, the Grapefruit Complex Fire, just 40 miles north of Fairbanks, has grown in size from wind events from over 70,000 acres to over 87,000 acres. The Eagle Fire, part of the Grapefruit Complex, reached the Trans-Alaska pipeline in two places on Wednesday, but no damage was reported. "That fire reaching that line, it did not damage that area; it didn't come with that intensity," fire spokesperson Emery Johnson said. As of Thursday afternoon, the fire had not crossed the pipeline.  

Firefighters responded to a fire at Eagle's View Elementary Wednesday night, shortly before midnight. As of 12:35 a.m., the fire was still active in the elementary school's ceiling, with five firefighters inside the building, according to Unalaska Fire Chief Ben Knowles. The fire's cause is unknown at the time of reporting, and there is no reason to believe anyone was inside the building, as the doors were locked.  

Firefighters have contained a fast-moving fire that left someone hurt near Peoria Thursday morning. Several pets are also missing. According to Rural Metro firefighters, the blaze started around 9:30 a.m. as a barbecue fire outside spread to the home near 88th Avenue and Williams Road. The house is located on an unincorporated county island surrounded by the City of Peoria. Crews from Peoria Fire-Medical were first on the scene as the fire quickly spread through the home. Officials say fire hydrants are scarce in the neighborhood because unincorporated areas don't have the same building code requirements as most cities and areas covered by fire districts. Because of the water delay, Peoria firefighters took a defensive position and called for a first-alarm response.  

VIDEOS: An Oklahoma City firefighter has carved the Fourth of July and patriotism into his yard this year, and he plans to go even bigger in the future. Jared Kesler started painting stars on his grass and even carved an eagle into his front yard at his Edmond home. He told KOCO 5 that he just wants to share his pride in our country with his neighbors. "I kind of always am out in the yard working," Kesler said. "All the neighbors probably thought I was crazy with spray paint at nine o'clock at night." Stars and stripes usually go on the flag. But sometimes, they're also on lawns. "The kids and I, we got out there with permanent markers and traced it and they helped me cut it out," Kesler said. The Oklahoma City firefighter told KOCO 5 that the Fourth of July is his favorite holiday, so he's spreading some cheer with a Christmas-like display carved into his lawn.  

VIDEO: What began in the waning hours of July 5, 2023, carried over to the next morning – and days and days to come. A cargo ship packed with more than 1,000 vehicles burst into flames at Port Newark. Firefighters rushed on board, but two would never make it out alive. Augusto "Auggie" Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr. both died battling the cargo ship fire. A lengthy investigation revealed the fire aboard the Grimaldi Grande Costa d'Avorio originated from a Jeep Wrangler used by crew members to push other vehicles on board. As the beloved men were laid to rest, their loved ones grieved and pushed for answers. In the wake of the tragedy, lawsuits were filed, hearings were held and there was a determination to find out – why. Acabou and Brooks were both promoted to the rank of captain following the tragedy.  

PHOTOS: One of Travis's most well-known spots is Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, which has been serving the community for more than 143 years. "The Oceanic Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 of Travis, Staten Island, was established in 1881. At that time, the town was known as Linoleumville, home of the first linoleum factory in America. The Oceanic Hook & Ladder still occupies its historic fire station at 4010 Victory Boulevard," according to the Historic Richmond Town website. According to an article in the Advance/SILive.com, only 10 volunteer companies remain citywide with two of them on the Island: Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 and Richmond Engine Co 1. Originally known as the Travisville Fire Company, Oceanic Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 started operating from a building on Meredith Avenue. In 1902, the original building was relocated to its current location on Victory Boulevard, where it continues to serve the community.  

VIDEO: Calallen grad Valerie Perez is a member of Corpus Christi Fire Station 7, but when she's not protecting the Coastal Bend she's putting out fires on the baseball diamond with the Firefighters. "Three years ago I think I picked up a baseball for the first time in 19 years," Perez said. "A ball competitively was about 10 years, so three years ago until now just between USA Baseball which opened the door to this kind of opportunity." A rare opportunity through Savannah Banana Ball that named Perez the first manager for the Firefighters baseball team."Firefighting also is what brought these two worlds together," Perez said. "I never would have guessed this is the place I'd be." The season started May 30, and since then Perez has knocked a base hit and even fielded a trick play.