Latest news with #MFD
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Clayborn Temple leader: Fire at home could be connected
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The director of Clayborn Temple says she thinks there could be a connection between the fire that destroyed the historic church, and fires at her home and near her family's land. Anasa Troutman, founder and executive director of Historic Clayborn Temple, says she suffered a fire at her home April 12. Another fire hit land near her family's property in East Tennessee April 14. Clayborn Temple went up in flames April 28. 'It's difficult to imagine that they're not connected,' Troutman said. 'I've tried to convince myself that this was all a crazy coincidence.' Still, she added, there has been no connection made among the three fires, and it may in fact be a coincidence. The Memphis Fire Department and the ATF wrapped up an investigation Wednesday, including that the fire at Clayborn Temple was intentionally set. MFD released photos of a possible suspect. Clayborn Temple fire ruled arson; person sought Troutman said she wasn't aware of any possible motive for the fire, and she had not come into contact with the person identified as a person of interest. 'The fact that anyone would want to do this for any reason is senseless and tragic,' she said. There will be a public gathering at Clayborn Temple at 4:30 p.m. May 28, remembering what the building was and what it will be in the future. Troutman said her group is developing plans of how to rebuild after the fire. To support Clayborn Temple, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
National Response Team investigates Clayborn Temple fire
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A National Response Team is heading to the historic Clayborn Temple after a devastating fire nearly three weeks ago. The Memphis Fire Department says the more than 130-year-old church is now stabilized, and investigators can now take a look inside for clues. ORIGINAL STORY: Fire destroys Clayborn Temple, historic Memphis church with ties to Civil Rights movement Since the fire broke out in the early morning hours on April 29, investigators say they have been conducting extensive off-site work, like speaking with witnesses and going through video analysis. About two weeks ago, the east wall of the building collapsed due to strong winds. MFD has been working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to determine the cause of the fire. Last month, WREG talked with a fire investigator who says if causes like the construction or faulty wiring were ruled out, then was the fire intentionally set? 'In that case, they may bring in accelerant detection K9s that will look for the scent of accelerants. If they alert to a spot, then they will collect samples. They'll send them to a laboratory,' said Richard Meier. ATF, MFD search for clues after Clayborn Temple lost to fire Now that it is safe to enter the structure, investigators will get a close-up look for any tell-tale signs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
4 Dead in Mother's Day Apartment Fire in Milwaukee, Residents Jump from Building to Escape: Officials
Four people died after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Milwaukee on Sunday, May 11, authorities have said "We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred," the Milwaukee Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post The fire department confirmed that people jumped from the residential building in an attempt to escape the blazeFour people have died after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Milwaukee on Mother's Day, authorities have confirmed. On the morning of Sunday, May 11, the blaze tore through a four-story residential building in the city's Concordia neighborhood, the Milwaukee Fire Department confirmed in a Facebook post. The American Red Cross, which is helping those displaced or in need of support following the tragedy, said in a Facebook post that the incident happened near 27th Street and Highland Boulevard. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred," the MFD wrote. "Four lives were lost, and many others have been displaced and deeply affected by this heartbreaking event. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragedy," the fire department added. The MFD's post included, "We also extend gratitude to the first responders dispatched from additional municipalities who responded to assist and act quickly with courage, compassion, and integrity." In a media briefing, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski confirmed the fire department responded to the blaze just before 8 a.m. local time on Sunday, per a clip shared by Fox-owned local station WITI's Fox 6 Milwaukee. He added that four people had been transported to the hospital in critical condition; approximately 30 people were rescued. Lipski said that the building, which was built in 1968, did not have a sprinkler system, per the Associated Press. It had been constructed before it was legally required to have one installed, the news agency stated. 'If we had sprinklers in the building, we would have stopped the fire very, very small. We would not of had to have people jumping out of windows,' he said, AP noted. "We would not have had to [pull] people out of windows. We would not have had to have dragged people down hallways to rescue them and we would have not had four fatalities today." Multiple other residents were treated for lesser injuries in the blaze, which has left the building "completely uninhabitable," Lipski said, per the Fox 6 Milwaukee clip. The fire chief estimated around 200 people could have been displaced from the 85-unit building amid the fire. The firefighters who initially arrived on the scene were 'far, far outmatched' by the flames, the AP reported, citing Lipski. "Our firefighters, ascending from the second floor to the third floor were fighting fire blowing down the stairwell at them. If you know anything about fire, it doesn't normally travel downward," Lipski added, per Fox 6 Milwaukee. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. One of the building's residents, James Rubinstein, recalled escaping from the fire. "There was so much smoke. I climbed out the courtyard with my cat in my backpack. [I] jumped to the ground floor and ran out," Rubinstein said, according to the outlet. An investigation is underway, and the fire's cause is yet to be announced. "We stand with our Milwaukee community in this time of grief and healing," the MFD concluded in its Facebook post. The MFD didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Maui Fire Department blesses newest wildland firefighting tool
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Maui Fire Department's newest wildland firefighting tool was blessed on Thursday, May 8. MFD personnel, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Fund representatives and others gathered on Community Wildfire Preparedness Day to celebrate the donation of the County's first wildland firefighting apparatus. First responders battle Kōke'e brush fire; 70% contained The Hawaii Community Foundation's 'Maui Strong Fund' and contributions from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez support the fund. According to MFD, the apparatus is the first of seven and will help strengthen the department's ability to protect Maui communities from future fires. MFD Fire Chief Bradford Ventura emphasized that Hawaii no longer has a wildfire season like we used to. Instead, the state prepares for wildfires year-round. 'Our firefighters are putting themselves in harm's way every month to get in front of these fires, and of course, we know during the dry seasons, things are gonna be enhanced and they're preparing themselves,' Chief Ventura added. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news During the ceremony, several speakers emphasized the need for the Maui community to come together to prepare, prevent and respond to wildfires in Hawaii. 'It does take all of us collectively to work together, to make a difference. We are very fortunate in Hawaii, we still have community, we still have the aloha spirit. We do care about everybody else. That's not true in a lot of places elsewhere,' said Laura Mallery-Sayre, Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Fund. Chief Ventura added that reaching out with philanthropy, working with partners and coordinating helps the department tie up loose ends. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'It would've been plenty to say thank you, it would've been plenty to say we appreciate the work of our folks, but to actually translate that into something that's behind me is truly incredible,' said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tully named Midland Fire Department chief
May 8—MIDLAND — Michael Tully has been named as the ninth fire chief in the history of the Midland Fire Department. Chief Tully is a lifelong resident of Midland and has served with distinction for over two decades within the Midland Fire Department. Since joining MFD in 2004, he has held several key positions — rising through the ranks from Firefighter and Engineer to Captain, Battalion Chief, and most recently, interim Fire Chief following Chief Charles Blumenauer's promotion to Managing Director of Public Safety. "I would like to thank those who have supported and challenged me over these last 8 months," Tully said. "I am humbled for this opportunity to serve the men and women of the Midland Fire Department. I believe we are headed in a positive direction, but there is always room for improvement based off input from leadership and most importantly the boots on the ground. Again, thank you for this opportunity to work beside the men and women of the Midland Fire Department." Tully brings a wealth of experience in operations, emergency management, EMS and personnel leadership. His credentials include TDSHS Paramedic, TCFP Master Firefighter, Wildland Firefighter, Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor II, NFA Incident Safety Officer, and Blue Card Incident Commander. He holds a bachelor's degree in Public Safety & Emergency Management and a master's degree in Public Administration. "I am proud to officially welcome Chief Michael Tully as the new fire chief for the City of Midland," Mayor Lori Blong stated. "Over the past year as interim chief, Michael has provided steady, experienced leadership — guiding the department through critical moments with professionalism and purpose. Under his direction, the department continued to uphold the highest standards, including maintaining our ISO 1 rating, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of fire departments nationwide. "He also played a pivotal role during the Midland Firemen's Retirement Fund negotiations, helping navigate a complex process with diligence and a shared commitment to long-term stability for our firefighters and community. "Throughout his career as a Midland Firefighter, Chief Tully has served our community and the membership of the department faithfully. He has earned the trust of his team and the confidence of our leadership, and I look forward to all he will continue to accomplish in this role as Chief." In addition to his leadership at the local level, he has been an active contributor to regional and statewide emergency response efforts, including serving on the Permian Basin Incident Management Team and participating in the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). His recent coordination during the 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfires reflects his deep commitment to inter-agency collaboration and public safety. "Promoting Mike Tully to assistant chief was one of the easiest decisions I've made, because I knew even then he had what it takes to lead this department," said Blumenauer, the fire chief from 2017-24. "I threw some big challenges his way — like leading our response during the COVID-19 pandemic — and he showed up every single day with strength, calm, and commitment. I'm so proud that he has been promoted to fire chief, and I'm even prouder to keep working alongside him. He's earned this."
