VIDEO: The Denton Fire Department (DFD) has concluded its investigation into a deadly fire that damaged an apartment complex early Sunday morning. The department posted a press release on social media. Officials say they responded to a fire at the Ridgecrest Apartments on Dallas Drive shortly before 2 a.m. DFD issued a second-alarm at 2:15 a.m. to bring in more help before the fire was declared under control at 2:47 a.m. According to the fire department, a 911 caller said there were several people trapped on the upper floor of the two-story apartment building. Officials reported one person who was successfully rescued from a second-story unit. No other injuries were mentioned. Firefighters said one man was found dead at the scene. The Denton County Medical Examiner is working to identify the victim and notify his family.  

San Antonio firefighters are investigating a fire that ignited twice at the same location. The firefighters first responded to a call about a structure fire on Elmendorf Street on Saturday around 11:20 p.m. According to officials, the crews were able to get it under control within minutes of arrival. Fire investigators and arson were called to investigate. Then around 3:30 Sunday morning firefighters and police were called back to the same location for another reported structure fire. Officials said the crew found one of two homes on the property were on fire but were able to contain it to one section of the house. No injuries were reported for either fire. The homes have been vacant for awhile, officials said. Investigators did receive some information about a possible suspect that has been starting the fires. Police searched the area but were unable to locate anyone.  

ETCOG is proud to announce its Executive Committee approved the renewal of purchasing the Smart911 mass notification system as a part of its public safety program for the 13th consecutive year. This system allows ETCOG to partner with East Texas city and county emergency management coordinators to send messages quickly notifying citizens about emergencies such as tornadoes and storm events, drinking water contamination, utility outages, evacuation notices and routes, missing persons, fires or floods, bomb threats, hostage or active shooter situations, chemical spills or gas leaks, and other emergency incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential. ETCOG renewed its contract with Rave Mobile Safety to provide the Smart911 mass notification system services.  

The 42nd Annual Arts and Crafts Show helps the fire department sustain yearly expenses. This year, the plan is to use the money towards something else. "Our department runs solely off of donations and fundraisers," said Christopher Bashford, Captain and Public Information Officer for Wichita West Volunteer Fire Department. And more than ever, the fire department is counting on the community for their full support. The fundraiser keeps the fire department afloat with their yearly expenses. "Fuel for the trucks, our station upkeep, electricity, water, all that kinda stuff," said Bashford. But that's not where their money is going this year. This year, they're hoping to pay for a new fire station. "TXDOT is going to be widening the highway in front of our department, and so everything we raise from this show is going towards the new station to help build," said Bashford.  

Authorities found two deceased people and a dog, along with thousands of rounds of ammunition and multiple firearms in the rubble of a burned Sylmar home Sunday. Rounds of ammunition exploded as flames ripped through the home on Glenoaks Boulevard and some firefighters were concerned that someone was firing at them. "They did hear ammunition going off," said Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott. "It was going off in such a pattern that they weren't sure if it was being shot live from a gun, or if it was just ammunition that was stored that was getting heated, cooked off and started to pop." The fire was reported around 4:40 a.m. in the 13000 block of North Glenoaks. The flames burned through the main house and then spread to two back houses, which all sustained major damage. Firefighters extinguished the fire in a little over an hour.  

The Nashville Fire Department is now credentialed as a State Type 1 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high yield explosives (CBRNE) team. It took them over 5 years to get the designation. What does this mean? This designation acknowledges the Nashville Fire Department's ability to handle hazardous materials and dangerous situations involving CBRNE. It came from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). "The Nashville Fire Department has had a HazMat team since 1978, making NFD's team one of the first in the country," NFD and Nashville Office of Emergency Management Director, Chief William Swann, said. "With this first-of-its-kind credentialing from TEMA to NFD we are certifying that we are better trained and equipped to handle various dangerous situations."  

Okaloosa County Emergency Management Services will now offer a one-of-a-kind blood administration program allowing first responders to treat patients with a portable blood supply. The new device is expected to increase the survival rates of patients who experience major traumatic shock, along with those with conditions such as gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds, post-partum hemorrhage and other instances of severe bleeding. "Providing efficient, quality aid for patients under our care is important to upholding the goals of preserving and protecting the lives of Okaloosa County families," said Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Trey Goodwin in a news release. "This program gives our EMTs and paramedics a significant tool to save lives." The blood will be supplied by OneBlood, Inc.