Firefighters and aircraft were are busy Sunday working on two lightning-caused fires burning within 25 miles of Unlakleet with more firefighters slated to join the effort after lightning became a big factor in new fire starts in Alaska this weekend. Lightning is suspected of causing more than 15 new fires in Alaska this weekend. There were approximately 1,858 recorded lightning strikes throughout the state Saturday with Sunday's tally at more than 2,900 by 8 p.m. On Saturday, the lightning was scattered throughout a ribbon starting in the Yukon-Kukoskwim Delta north of Bethel stretching across through Central Interior with a cluster appearing north of the Mat-Su Valley. On Sunday, that area was expanded to the Canadian border as rain storms moved through the Fairbanks area in the afternoon.  

The Fairbanks National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the Central Interior of Alaska on Friday. The warning prompted the Alaska Fire Service to suspend burn permits. The warning and suspension was caused by hot, dry conditions and gusty winds across much of the interior. The suspension bans the use of burn barrels and brush burning. Small campfires under three-feet in diameter with flames under two-feet high are still allowed. This burn suspension comes shortly after a statewide suspension was lifted on Tuesday. According to fire information officer Tim Mowry, the statewide suspension was put in place due to concerns about how COVID-19 would affect their ability to bring up firefighters from the Lower-48. He said they have since come up with a plan and have lifted the statewide ban.  

VIDEO: A huge fire broke out in several residences in South Boston early Saturday morning, and five of the firefighters trying to contain the blaze were hurt. The seven-alarm fire erupted about 3:30 a.m. on Columbia Road and Douglas Street and tore through about seven homes, the Boston Fire Department said. By 6:30 a.m., flames could no longer be seen shooting from windows. Boston fire Commissioner Jack Dempsey said three of the injured firefighters were burned, though not seriously, and taken to the hospital. The other injured firefighters were treated at the scene. "We were concerned about fire spreading up the block," said Dempsey. "We're lucky it wasn't a very windy night." Thirty-eight people were displaced by the blaze, which tore through seven residential buildings, according to the fire department. Damage was estimated at $10 million, though none of the buildings' residents were hurt.  

"Peaceful protests by our neighbors exercising their first amendment rights across America are being interrupted by violence and unrest. In the middle of the challenges and turmoil, I am proud of our IAFF fire fighters, paramedics and EMTs who are once again proving their dedication to keeping their communities safe when they are needed most. "As always, the safety of our members is our top priority. So, it was with disappointment and outrage that I witnessed our members – who are integral to keeping everyone, including protesters, safe — attacked over the weekend. In cities from Atlanta and Austin to Cleveland and Minneapolis and St. Paul, our members were subjected to having bricks or large fireworks hurled their way, simply for doing their jobs. This is inexcusable. "Throwing rocks, fireworks or directing violence toward fire fighters, paramedics and EMTs is never acceptable.  

A coalition of national EMS organizations announced a joint fundraising effort to honor EMS providers who died from COVID-19 through the sale of a custom-designed memorial coin. The coin and fundraising effort were conceived by Paramedic Alan Lieberman, and the coin goes on sale starting June 1, 2020 through June 15, 2020. All proceeds from sales will be donated to the National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS). "As a veteran EMS service member for the last 22 years working in New York City and the tri-state area, it was devastating to see colleagues who save lives become the victims themselves," Lieberman said. "This coin is a testament to the men and women whom we've lost and all those who continue to serve on the front lines." To date, there have been almost 40 known COVID-19-related deaths of EMS professionals.  

A disagreement surrounding COVID-19 quarantine protocols has sparked a dispute in Cranston, after the mayor's office ordered firefighters exposed to infected co-workers to return to work while waiting for test results. Four Cranston firefighters have tested positive and at one point about 40 coworkers were in quarantine. That total has since fallen to 17, according to union president Scott Robinson. Based on federal health guidelines, Robinson said the union worked with Fire Chief Stephen McIntosh and the city EMS Director Paul Casey to create a city policy that allows firefighters to quarantine for five days before getting tested. Robinson said the idea is to allow the virus some time to incubate so infected firefighters might start showing symptoms, which would prevent someone who might initially be asymptomatic from rushing back to work and getting others sick.  

They often find interesting things, and sometimes uncover an object of historical value. Recently, artifact hunter Axel Macon and two of his friends fired up their metal detectors at a site near Spring Street in Charleston and aimed their electromagnetic bursts at a promising area in the backyard of the property. After a while the two friends called it quits, but Macon was persistent. He had a hunch something was there — something interesting, something valuable. As soon as he was alone, his Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector beeped confidently. With his hands, he dug down 2 or 3 inches and pulled out a badge shaped like a shield and made of coin silver. On its face was inscribed: Niagara F.Co. No.8 1861 W.P.P. This was significant. The Niagara Fire Company was a brigade of black volunteers, one of many active in the city at the time of the Civil War.