News Briefs

Fire Chief announces EMT program partnership with EWU

A new 3-year EMT training program will launch in 2023

Cheney Free Press

Lucas Walsh

CHENEY – Eastern Washington University has committed to a three year EMT training program in partnership with Fire District 3. Battalion chief Jeff Anderson will be conducting the classes over that time period, and each class is projected to include 25 students or more.

“Over the past few years, men and women have been coming down to our fire station asking about being an EMT, maybe because they’re going into the pre-med program or nursing program.” Fire Chief Tom Jenkins said.

“We have a need to keep up with the EMS demand that we’re seeing across the nation.” Jenkins said. “So I want to create something enduring, a brand for the Cheney fire department and Eastern.”

This program, according to Jenkins, will benefit the community in a number of ways. Not only will the program produce a projected 50-100 trained students who can help the community as EMT trained volunteers, but the partnership may help build an enduring mechanism for students to receive specialized training.

Spokane Clean Air temporarily restricts burning and wood heating

DEAN HENRICH

Cheney Free Press

Spokane, WA - Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air) announced temporary restrictions on outdoor burning and indoor wood heating that started on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

“We are issuing these temporary restrictions as a cautionary measure to protect public health. Microscopic smoke particles have the potential to reach unhealthful levels over the next few days due to a very strong air stagnation forming over our region,” said Scott Windsor, Executive Director of Spokane Clean Air.

The use of fireplaces, non-EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) certified wood stoves/inserts, and other non-certified wood-burning devices are prohibited within the boundaries of the Spokane County Smoke Control Zone. That includes the City of Spokane, North to Owens Road, from Spokane Valley to the Idaho border, South to Gibbs Road, and West to Hayford Road.

Outdoor burning is banned throughout Spokane County. The use of EPA-certified wood stoves, pellet stoves, and other EPA-certified wood-burning devices is permitted. Residents with wood as their sole source of heat are exempt from the restrictions and should contact Spokane Clean Air.

According to the EPA, the microscopic smoke particles associated with wood burning can make asthma symptoms worse and trigger asthma attacks. They say that these particles can also trigger heart attacks, stroke, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure, especially in people who are already at risk for these conditions.