Man fighting for his life after garage fire in central Phoenix

PHOTOS: A man is in extremely critical condition after he was found while crews were battling a garage fire in central Phoenix on Tuesday. Firefighters were called out to the home near Central Avenue and Indian School Road, where a detached garage was on fire. They got their water hoses to put out the fire while others searched the area for people who might be trapped. They found a man who was already injured. Fire crews rescued him and then rushed him to the hospital where he's fighting for his life, according to Capt. Scott Douglas with the Phoenix Fire Department. No firefighters were hurt. Investigators are looking into what sparked the flames.
KASW-CW6 & KTVK-3TV (azfamily.com)

Phoenix firefighters rescue hiker who got stuck on Lookout Mountain

VIDEO: It was a dramatic rescue Tuesday evening as Phoenix firefighters worked to reach a hiker who got stuck on Lookout Mountain. The hiker, a man in his 40s, apparently got lost while climbing on a trail. He found himself stuck high up, perched precariously on some rocks. Luckily, technology helped lead crews to almost the exact spot he was stranded. Capt. Scott Douglas with the Phoenix Fire Department says they were able to locate the man via a cell phone ping on an identified ledge. Rescue crews made their way to the man and worked to figure out the best way to reach him. Our chopper was overhead as they worked out a strategy. A short time later, firefighters were able to pull him up to safety. The hiker was not hurt.
KASW-CW6 & KTVK-3TV (azfamily.com)

Arizona fire departments now able to recruit more firefighters through grant

Arizona fire departments are now able to increase the number of trained firefighters in communities through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona announced the grant program has opened for Arizona fire departments. The SAFER grant program assists fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities for emergency responses in addition to enabling departments to recruit and retain volunteer and career firefighters to maintain 24-hour staffing. “Our first responders are critical to our state, especially during this pandemic,” Kelly told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday. “The SAFER grant program provides Arizona fire departments with funding that will help them continue to keep Arizona families and communities safe.”
KTAR 620 - Newsradio

Two killed in Kingman structure fire

The Mohave County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deadly fire in Kingman. On Tuesday night crews with the Northern Arizona Fire District and Kingman Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire on Bridlebit Avenue. Upon arrival firefighters found the structure fully involved and worked to douse the flames. After extinguishing the fire human remains of at least two people were located inside the residence. The names of the victims or an exact cause of death hasn't been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
KNXV-TV ABC 15 Phoenix

Tempe launches cancer-screening program after death of firefighter

Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the communities they serve. They are continuously exposed to various toxins and carcinogens and, as a result of this exposure, firefighters have significantly increased cancer incidence and mortality rates. Cancer has become an epidemic in the fire service. To help protect the 169 members of Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, Tempe has launched a cancer-screening program. The program aims to catch cancer in its infancy, when survivability is increased, cost is decreased and potential detriment is mitigated much sooner. It is a way for the city to be proactive and ensures that those taking care of the community are healthy. All firefighters will receive an initial cancer screening, a dermatological screening and a full-body exam.
Tempe/Chandler Wrangler News

Flagstaff Hotshot crew leader seeking kidney donor

PHOTO: As a firefighter — not just any crew member, but the superintendent of the T1 Flagstaff Interagency Hotshots — Bill Kuche over the years has tackled many assignments that have saved lives and property. Now, the 49-year-old Flagstaff resident is facing is a major health crisis that threatens his own life. Kuche has had chronic kidney disease since a childhood bout of the streptococcal virus — strep throat — but for more than 30 years has been able to work full-time as a firefighter and wildfire official, managing his condition through medication and a healthy lifestyle. But last month, according to Kuche’s daughter, Grace, his regular blood work detected problems and his health swiftly declined. Last week, on the same day as his 20th wedding anniversary, Kuche had to be rushed to Flagstaff Medical Center for emergency surgery to prepare for dialysis. His condition has worsened to Stage 5, his daughter said, and Kuche is on a waiting list to receive a kidney transplant.
Arizona Daily Sun

Mesa 3-year-old rides to chemo in fire truck and helicopter for birthday

VIDEO: Mesa Fire and Medical Department firefighters and Native Air Ambulance turned a terrible day into a dream come true for a Mesa 3-year-old Monday. "He loves fire trucks," said 3-year-old Mack Porter's mom, Dani. Back in January, doctors diagnosed Mack with cancer. "He has anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and he is stage 3," said Dani. Monday, on his third birthday, he had chemo, so Mesa firefighters stepped in to make his morning a little easier. Fire crews picked Mack up and showed him the fire truck. Dressed in a fire suit, Mack might be the youngest and cutest firefighter ever to wear the uniform. Crews drove him to a Native Air helicopter. Family and friends sent him off to the hospital with a cake pop and a little birthday celebration. Mack smiled and enjoyed exploring his rides. It's a memory his mom treasures.
KASW-CW6 & KTVK-3TV (azfamily.com)

Immunizations hold court at Buena High School in Sierra Vista

PHOTO: More than 800 COVID-19 vaccines were brought to Buena High School Saturday to immunize county residents. People lined up at the school gymnasium entrance next to the student parking lot. A steady flow of residents who had made appointments patiently waited to check in for the shots. Cochise County Health and Social Services Director Alicia Thompson was on hand to assist in checking in people with other county employees also helping. Fry Fire District was there along with Sierra Vista Fire and Medical Services to assist. Also were nurses and employees from the Sierra Vista Unified School District and Cochise College nursing program students. Administering vaccinations and manning the first row of vaccines was Fry Fire Department Chief Mark Savage, who was also giving out booster shots to those requiring a second dose.
Sierra Vista Herald