There will likely be many stories similar to this over the next few days. Leave fireworks to the professionals! If you must have some at home, be sure to follow all applicable safety precautions such as those outlined in this video.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

This story's just showing on on some of the threads we watch - but occurred last week. A Chicago FF was shot after investigating a reported fire. The incident turned out to be a fire bombing, likely gang related. As the FF investigated what was burning he was shot.

While expected to make a full recovery, the FF was in serious condition after the injury. The Department is considering changes in how their personnel respond to provide certain services to increase safety for their members.

Baltimore is implementing a tiered response system that will reduce the number of emergency vehicles responding to calls with lights and sirens. Other areas have already implemented similar programs. All such programs are designed to reduce risk to firefighters and the public.

Gary L. Studer of the Whitehouse Fire Department in Whitehouse, OH has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 06-20-08.

Jeff Powers of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District in Mill Valley, CA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 06-26-08.

Hot weather and exploding propane tanks hamper efforts for extinguishment at the 4 alarm fire. Some runways at the Salt lake City airport were closed down due to the fire. Many firefighters were suffering from heat exhaustion.

George E. Crocker of the Pine Level Volunteer Fire Department in Pine Level, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 06-22-08.

Dry weather, high winds, hot temperatures - not a good combination. Last week thousands of lightning strikes started hundreds of separate wildfires in California. Now over 150,000 acres have burned and no end is in sight. Here's the latest...

Kevin Patrick Pryor of the Newport Beach Fire Department in Newport Beach, CA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 06-16-2008.

Hard to believe it's been a year since 9 Charleston Firefighters lost their lives in a furniture store fire. This video contains footage from the City's memorial as well as the fire.

Also in an email today....

ABC News 4 created a 1 hour special dedicated to remembering the Charleston Nine. Here is a link to the section: http://cfc.wciv.com/external.cfm?p=firespecial

Please post it and view the special!

Colin Gene Thomas of the Verona Volunteer Fire Department in Jacksonville, NC has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 06-14-2008.