Two people have been charged in connection with a house fire that led to the death of a North Carolina fire chief. Captain Ronnie Metcalf died from burn injuries sustained while responding to the fire, and two individuals have been arrested on misdemeanor breaking and entering charges in connection with the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the pair arrested have also been charged with felony possession of methamphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith, 40, died while fighting a house fire after battling historic wildfires in Texas. The wildfires have destroyed as many as 500 structures, with the largest fire in Texas history burning almost 1,700 square miles. Governor Abbott offered condolences and emphasized the ongoing need for support. Firefighters are making progress, but residents are urged to remain vigilant as dry weather and the potential for lightning pose ongoing threats. Smith is survived by two sons, and the cause of the Smokehouse Creek fire is under investigation.
Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith, who had been actively fighting wildfires in the Texas Panhandle region, died while responding to a separate structure fire in the city. Smith went inside the building to check for people needing rescue and did not come out. His cause of death has not been determined, but officials believe his involvement in fighting the wildfires may have played a role. Smith's dedication to duty and commitment to community safety were highlighted by county officials, as the region continues to grapple with devastating wildfires.
Fritch, Texas volunteer fire chief Zeb Smith, who had been fighting the state's historic wildfires for over a week, died while responding to a structure fire unrelated to the wildfires. Smith, a dedicated public servant, was the first on the scene and tragically succumbed to his injuries despite emergency medical assistance. His death came as the wildfires burned over 1.1 million acres in Hutchinson County. Officials noted that Smith had not gotten much sleep while continuously fighting wildfires for nearly 10 days. Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later time.
Fritch Volunteer Fire Department Chief Zeb Smith died while responding to a structure fire, leaving behind a legacy of community service and leadership. Governor Abbott and TDEM Chief Nim Kidd expressed condolences, highlighting Smith's heroism. The department, actively fighting wildfires, mourns the loss of a dedicated firefighter and leader.
Former Martha's Vineyard fire chief, John Rose, has been arrested and accused of secretly recording someone performing sexual acts on him without consent. Rose, 53, faces charges of photographing, videotaping, or electronically surveilling partially nude or nude persons. This is not the first time Rose has faced controversy, as he previously parted ways with the Oak Bluffs Fire-EMS Department amid an FBI inquiry and a settlement for sexual harassment and discrimination claims. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned in court.
Montana fire chief Frank Dahlquist was arrested and charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, accused of spraying chemical irritant at Capitol and D.C. police officers. Identified as #GreyScaleSprayer by online sleuths, Dahlquist allegedly engaged in assault and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. More than 1,200 people have been arrested in connection with the attack, and nearly 900 have been convicted so far.
Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura discusses the response to the deadly wildfire in Lahaina, providing details on significant times of actions, the speed of the fire's spread, communication between field and fire crews, the extent of destruction known to the emergency team, concerns about water supply, potential accelerants, and ways the community can help affected members of the Maui MFD team.
Omaha Fire Department Assistant Chief Kathy Bossman has been named as the city's next fire chief, making history as the first woman to hold the top OFD job. Bossman, who has been with the department since 1997, will take over from retiring Chief Dan Olsen on March 24. She has a master's degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in fire/rescue executive leadership from Waldorf University, a bachelor's degree in psychology from UNL, and an associate's degree in science-fire science from Southeast Community College.
