Next Generation Emergency Response Vehicle Brings Boost to Red Cross Disaster Response

By Jennifer Astion  This summer, the Greater Inland Northwest Chapter of the Red Cross will be reaching out to the community with a new Emergency Response Vehicle built specifically for disaster relief missions. Thanks to the generous support of individual donations and a $50,000 gift from BNSF Railway, the chapter will use the new vehicle … Continue reading Next Generation Emergency Response Vehicle Brings Boost to Red Cross Disaster Response

Prepare now for this year’s threatening wildfire season

A hillside on fire as seen from Brewster, WA, September 2020 By Gordon Williams  In most years, wildfires don’t become a serious threat in Washington until mid-summer when the days heat up and vegetation dries out. Things seem to be going a different way in 2021, with fires coming much earlier and much more frequently … Continue reading Prepare now for this year’s threatening wildfire season

How the Red Cross managed a wicked wildfire season

By Gordon Williams  We’re barely into Spring, but the American Red Cross is already looking ahead to a summer wildfire season that could be as bad as the record-setting season that scorched Washington in 2020. Between an unprecedented number of fires and the strictures imposed by Covid-19, the 2020 wildfire season stressed Red Cross resources … Continue reading How the Red Cross managed a wicked wildfire season

Staying Safe in a Threatening Wildfire Season

July 25, 2018. Redding, California. Wildfires. Photo by Kris Warner/American Red Cross By Gordon Williams The images on television are horrific — pictures of wildfires burning out of control in California, Oregon and Eastern Washington. Since wildfire season is likely to last until the soaking rains of autumn, it’s essential you know how to stay … Continue reading Staying Safe in a Threatening Wildfire Season

How COVID-19 is adding to the region’s wildfire worries

By Gordon Williams The COVID-19 virus has sickened and killed people, shut down schools and businesses, and put millions of Americans out of work. And now, on top of all that, the pandemic is threatening to hamper Washington state's ability to fight wildfires. What makes that especially worrisome is that the dry weather we have … Continue reading How COVID-19 is adding to the region’s wildfire worries