Columbia Fire Dept. blames roof solar panels for southwest house fire

KMIZ on July 18, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No injuries were reported from a structure fire in southwest Columbia on Saturday.

An ABC 17 News Reporter arrived at the 4900 block of Craydon Drive at around 4 p.m. Saturday, where they saw Columbia Fire Department crews responding to a home with a hole in the roof and smoke showing.

The reporter also saw at least two Columbia Fire Department engines and at least 5 CFD vehicles on scene. An MU Health Care ambulance was also in the area.

According to a CFD press release, the fire has been determined to be an accident, with crews saying the cause was determined to be electrical and related to roof-mounted solar panels.

Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said that crews were dispatched around 3 p.m. Saturday, and upon arrival, saw a working fire on the roof of the house.

Schaeffer adds that the home is occupied by a family of 4.

“Two were inside. Two were outside, just pulling into the driveway. As they pulled in, they saw the fire, alerted the two who were inside,” he said.

Chief Schaeffer said that the 2 who were inside said that they did not notice the fire, and the fire alarms did not activate.

Adding that once the first crews arrived, CFD decided to update the fire to a second alarm.

“Because of the fire progression throughout the attic when we opened it up. And simply, it is absolutely hot today,” he said.

Additionally, Chief Schaeffer said due to solar panels that were on the roof of the house, the fire created a toxic, noxious smell

Schaeffer said that the heat also played a factor in the additional response.

“So our firefighters are going through several bottles. Those bottles, all those bottles, are filled with air that has been dehumidified. So, as much water as we drink, we sweat it right out,” he said.

Adding that the loss was predominantly confined to the attic area.

“We did everything we could to stop damage on that first floor,” he said.

With temperatures in the low 90s this afternoon CFD put in place protocols to ensure that all of their firefighters were safe in the heat.

Chief Schaeffer said that the heat does not take long to start having consequences on crews’ bodies.

“Our firefighters are going through several bottles. Those bottles, all those bottles, are filled with air that has been dehumidifier. So as much water as we drink, we just sweat it right out,” he said.

Additionally, he said having extra crews on scene allowed CFD to rotate firefighters to prevent overheating.

“Our firefighters, when we get this hot, we rotate and limit work cycles and hydrate as much as possible. Plus, that second alarm gave us well over 30 firefighters. So we have the bench strength to take care of our people,” he said.

During intense heat, Scheaffer said that crews work in cycles of around 30 minutes. Once the cycle is up, crews then go into what’s called “formal rehab” to ensure they do not overheat.

“They’re monitored by our partners at the ambulance services, as well as a battalion chief who’s managing that area. They’re just making sure that they get hydrated and their vitals are taken,” he said.

Adding that once they are determined to be okay, they are then able to go back to work.

Scheaffer said that this protocol is very routine for structure fires like the one that occurred today.

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Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Akawa Butte and Brewer Fires

KTVZ on July 18, 2026

Spencer Sacks

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Saturday, for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires, which are actively burning in Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This action was taken as hot, dry weather and strong, shifting winds have caused the fires to grow significantly, threatening nearby communities.

The invocation of the act enables the Oregon State Fire Marshal to assign its Red Incident Management Team and several task forces to the fires. These resources will work alongside wildland partners to protect nearby communities and critical infrastructure. This marks the fifth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2026.

Hot, dry weather and strong, shifting winds created difficult firefighting conditions across Central Oregon Friday. Conditions will continue to be hot and dry today, Saturday, with light winds expected in the morning that are predicted to increase in the afternoon. Deschutes and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices have levels 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place for affected areas.

State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple commented on the ongoing challenges. “The conditions we’re seeing across Oregon have challenged firefighters for the past week and the current forecast isn’t providing much relief,” Ruiz-Temple said. “I’m urging every Oregonian to be wildfire aware and to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts. Know the evacuation levels and follow them if they are issued.”

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team will operate in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Team 2. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is posting updates on incidents where it has resources assigned on osfminfo.org. Oregonians can also sign up for emergency alerts at oralert.gov.

Fire managers expect challenging, wind-driven fire activity later today, Saturday. Those looking for evacuation information should follow their local sheriff’s office.

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Coachella Valley reacts to Sunshine Protection Act

KESQ on July 18, 2026

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — In a bipartisan vote, the U.S. House advanced the ‘Sunshine Protection Act,’ a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent and end the twice-yearly clock changes.

Versions of the proposal have been introduced numerous times in state legislatures and in Congress over the years but have repeatedly fallen short. Now, with support from President Donald Trump, the measure is headed to the Senate for consideration.

News Channel 3 is hearing from residents across the Coachella Valley to hear their thoughts on the topic. Stay tuned for more tonight.

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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office holds shredding event to fight identity theft

KTVZ on July 18, 2026

Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted a shredding event, drawing close to 200 cars to safely dispose of hundreds of boxes of documents. The initiative aimed to prevent identity theft and offer a valuable public service to the community.

During the event, participants dropped off documents and more than 15 flags were collected for proper disposal, alongside several donations of canned goods. This community outreach is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s broader effort to provide services beyond traditional law enforcement.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, between 14 and 24 million Americans become victims of identity theft annually.

Identity theft can manifest in various forms, including online phishing, impersonations, or the unauthorized use of stolen documents. Thieves can also search through discarded garbage for personal information, making secure document disposal crucial for residents.

Lt. John Jernigan, with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, highlighted the importance of these events. “The SHRED events important gives us an opportunity to work with the public. Help prevent identity theft,” Jernigan said. He added, “It makes us feel good. It’s an opportunity for us as an organization to provide additional services to the public, above and beyond law enforcement.”

Rob Overstreet, a resident of Sisters, underscored the convenience and value of the service for residents. “This is just an incredible opportunity to get rid of some old documents,” Overstreet said. He noted that people often keep documents for longer than necessary and these events provide an easy solution.

Pat Coffey, a resident of Redmond, emphasized the security provided by having law enforcement agencies facilitate the shredding. “We come from an area that has shredding services you pay for, but there aren’t those kinds of services here,” Coffey said. “So to have the the the law enforcement agencies providing this provides a level of security that we just wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

The shredding process happens on site and is handled by Republic Services. The drop-off process for each car lasts only a few minutes, which can help prevent more significant issues related to identity theft.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office hosts these shredding events four times a year. Residents are encouraged to be on the lookout for announcements regarding future events.

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Rallies across Mid-Missouri on Saturday against Amendments 4 and 5

KMIZ on July 18, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Some left-leaning political organizations are getting together on Saturday for a “Get Out The Vote” rally advocating that voters turn down August ballot Amendments 4 and 5.

If passed, Amendment 4 would require a majority of voters in all eight of Missouri’s congressional districts to approve the initiative petition on the ballot. People in opposition argue that it is too strong to pass an initiative petition because only one district needs to vote it down.

“The public in Missouri needs to read that amendment so they understand that 5%–that’s how they’ve written it–5%. Any district can go against a majority vote,” Abortion Action Missouri volunteer Peggy Neale-Lewis said. “That’s ridiculous. I mean, there is no logic, and it’s written that way.”

Amendment 5 is a proposal to phase out the state income tax. Before lawmakers can adjust any taxes, voters need to approve the measure. Some people, including some Republicans, are hesitant to give immediate support because Amendment 5 asks voters to trust lawmakers in the 2027 legislative session to create a plan to phase out the income tax.

Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 955 deputy business manager Andrew Hutchinson said rejecting Amendment 5 at the ballot box protects Missouri consumers from the “everything tax.”

“If Amendment 5 passes, this would allow them [lawmakers] to not only raise sales taxes but apply it to services that have never been taxed before. Everything from haircuts to labor charges at the auto shop to healthcare to prescription medicine,” Hutchinson said.

He also notes that both Republicans and Democrats are against the measure.

“Partisanship doesn’t play that big of a role,” Hutchinson said. “We have a lot more Republican, conservative-leaning members [of LiUNA] in Kirksville, and I think they’re fully clear that passing Amendment 5 would do harm to the state.”

In Columbia, groups including Abortion Action Missouri, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action and other grassroots organizations will gather at noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 2615 Shepard Blvd.

Another rally called “Good Trouble Lives On” in Jefferson City started at 10 a.m. at the Capitol and will be followed by a march downtown.

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Idaho Falls firefighters beat deputies in ‘Guns Versus Hoses’ charity game, raise $11,800 for Make-A-Wish

KIFI on July 18, 2026

William Syslo

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – This evening at Melaleuca field, the 15th annual “Guns versus Hoses” charity softball event took place. The game pitted deputies from the BCSO Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8 agains Idaho Falls Firefighters, with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Idaho.

“We got together 16 years ago,” Sergeant Bryan Lovell of the Bonneville County Sherriff’s Office told me. “We wanted to have a fun event that raised money for a charity. And we decided that charity was Make-A-Wish of Idaho.”

Fans who attend the “Guns vs. Hoses” charity event are encouraged to make donations throughout the game, and there were plenty of opportunities to make that happen.

“We have a makeshift jail cell that’s a very popular item out here,” Sergeant Lovell said. “…In the even innings… people can donate money and buy points for their favorite team at 20 bucks a point. We’ve got also our impairment goggles, beer goggles, that we use for community demonstrations… there’s times during the game the crowd can pay money to put those goggles on the batter…”

Multiple entertaining ways for fans to get engaged with the game and donate money to a good cause at the same time. Not only is the event effective at raising funds for Make-A-Wish, but it also doubles as a team-building exercise for both agencies.

“We work with the fire guys in a professional capacity all the time,” said Ryan Krumblis, a Patrol Sergeant with Bonneville County. “And we have a very good professional working relationship with them. But this gives us a fun atmosphere to kind of razz each other a little bit, give each other a little bit of stuff here and there, and then have a good time.”

A topic and feeling that are mutual between the two departments.

“It’s pretty fun. This is probably one of the best ways to build camaraderie amongst your… you know, all the members of your department,” said Idaho Falls Fire Chief Johan Olson. “Obviously, it’s for a good cause, so we’re excited about that… and it’s just nice to get out and have a good time with your friends and people that we consider family.”

It was the “Hoses” who took the win this time, with a final score of 98 to 74, the high scores courtesy of generous patrons. In total, the event pulled in $11,800 for Make-A-Wish Idaho.

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El Paso Chamber discussed ramifications of Bridge of the Americas modernization project

KVIA on July 18, 2026

Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A battle over the future of the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) reached a boiling point this week as local business leaders united in sharp opposition to a massive federal modernization plan.

The El Paso Chamber convened a meeting drawing nearly 70 community members, business owners, and binational stakeholders from the El Paso-Juárez region.

The collective goal of the meeting was to issue an urgent appeal to the federal government to pause or completely stop its current Record of Decision, which effectively eliminates all commercial traffic from the toll-free border crossing.

Under the current $500 million modernization framework managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the bridge would see extensive structural updates but permanently ban commercial cargo operations. Local commerce advocates warn that the removal of these six crucial commercial lanes will deal a catastrophic blow to the regional economy, stripping away an estimated 40% of El Paso’s regional competitiveness.

The El Paso Chamber said it’s conducting an independent study that will show the economic impact in ten years. El Paso Chamber told ABC-7 that the GSA did not have any impact analysis.

El Paso Chamber President and CEO Ricardo Mora, spoke about protecting the business ecosystem. Mora cautioned that federal decision-makers failed to properly account for the localized economic impacts when finalizing the project’s parameters.

Mora said, “We’re at 67% per capita income. If we don’t get this right, we’ll be 40% less productive, and El Paso will be driving in a negative way for the next 10 years.”

Chamber leaders argue the fallout will extend far beyond logistics firms, directly impacting everyday consumers. If commercial traffic is completely halted at BOTA, supply chains will be forced to relocate to alternative ports of entry. Longer transportation routes mean more travel hours, increased gas and diesel consumption, and inevitably, higher prices for goods delivered straight to consumers’ doors.

Mora also explained how crucial the commercial lanes are for business.

“Just last year alone, it was close to $900 billion worth of trade between the US and Mexico. Texas represents 68% of the entire trade of the 2000 mile border. El Paso out of the Texas portion represents 20%. So as we speak to our elected on the local, state, and federal level, we share with them that this will make our country less competitive in all levels because we’re not able to bring product into, into our country fast enough,” he said.

The future of the Bridge of the Americas highlights the challenges of balancing the speed of international trade with the well-being the local community.

Thursday, U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar said the U.S. General Services Administration will announce the three possible contractors competing for the primary project contract on “Industry Day,” which is set for July 27.

The congresswoman said small businesses, subcontractors, suppliers and construction professionals can meet the three shortlisted teams competing for the primary project contract.

Industry Day will take place at the El Paso Community College Administrative Services Opportunity Center from 1-4 p.m.

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Man behind troubled RivCo duck sanctuary arrested after 820 birds seized in SD County

KESQ on July 18, 2026

Garrett Hottle

VALLEY CENTER, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 800 birds and two dogs were seized from the man behind a troubled Riverside County duck sanctuary following reports of neglect, San Diego County’s Animal Services announced on Friday.

The 820 birds — including 400 ducks — were removed from a Valley Center property on Thursday. County animal services officers were tipped off by their counterparts in Riverside County after the property owner moved to Valley Center.

Animal control officers spent about 12 hours removing the animals and transporting them to the county’s Bonita and Carlsbad animal shelters for treatment. he public can help by donating to the fund athttps://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/donate-volunteer/donate.html. Every dollar donated to the Spirit Fund goes directly to animal care — none is used for administrative costs, the county says.

News Channel 3 spoke to the operator of that sanctuary, Howard Berkowitz, earlier this year when Riverside County took nearly 500 ducks from his property over in Anza.

San Diego County’s chief veterinarian says officers found birds in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.

Berkowitz was arrested on a Ramy warrant, but no criminal charges have been filed in either county.

Animal Services will continue to investigate, and next steps in the enforcement process are yet to be determined.

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Kehoe planning federal disaster declaration request for July 9-11 storms

KMIZ on July 18, 2026

Steven Lambson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Governor Mike Kehoe announced Friday that he is asking for local, state and federal damage assessments from flash flooding and storms over July 9-11.

The request comes in advance of an expected request for a federal disaster declaration. Kehoe said in a news release that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will join up for damage assessments in nine counties.

“These joint damage assessments with FEMA will verify damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in support of a request for a federal disaster declaration and federal assistance,” Kehoe said in the news release. “This is an important next step as we continue working to assist our impacted communities.”

The counties to be assessed include Bollinger, Crawford, Madison, Morgan, Reynolds, Ripley, Washington and Wayne. The news release said more counties could be added as damage documentation continues.

Missouri Task Force 1 deployed to Reynolds County after heavy flooding in areas along the Black River. Floods left one person dead and forced evacuations, including more than 200 campers and staff from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville.

The news release said SEMA’s Emergency Human Services section is working with local and state agencies and organizations to form a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Reynolds County. MARCs are central locations where recovery and support resources can get to those who need them, including cleaning supplies, legal services, financial aid and insurance information.

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Controversial Henry’s Lake Flats development given green light by Fremont County Commissioners

KIFI on July 18, 2026

David Pace

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – The controversial Caldera Flats subdivision proposal to develop 32 lots on 160 acres of Henry’s Lake Flats in Island Park received approval Monday from the Fremont County Commissioners.

The project, owned by Doug and Kevin Button’s DK Land LLC in Dillon, Montana, has evoked intense opposition from local residents concerned about the impact on wildlife habitat and environmentally-sensitive land in the Island Park caldera.

But two commissioners stated the owner’s property rights must still be respected – regardless of community opposition.

“People don’t want to see change or development in that area, but people own property and have property rights,” Commissioner Rick Hill said, according to preliminary minutes.  “…You can’t stop development just because don’t want it. There has to be something in the Development Code to restrict it.”

“Nobody wants that place developed,” Commissioner Mark Chandler said.

But he agreed people can’t dictate to others what to do with their property.

“They don’t have skin in the game,” Chandler said. “… It’s the American dream to get property and do what you will with it.”

Ultimately, Commissioners Rick Hill and Mark Chandler voted to advance the project on Monday.

Commissioner Blair Dance voted against it, stating he believed the decision should be sent back to Planning and Zoning for more review. 

Dance voiced that he “understands concerns about the Flats being developed. Any development out there, if it is approved, has to be done right in order to set the standards for any future development.”

About 500 residents packed previous Fremont County Planning and Zoning meetings – most in opposition to the project, according to the committee’s former Chairwoman Loy Schroeder.

PRIOR COVERAGE | Island Park Planning and Zoning Commission Denies Controversial Henry’s Lake Flats Rezoning Request

The County Commissioners’ hearing for the Island Park Caldera project developers’ appeal was held on May 20.

In preliminary minutes obtained by Local News 8, Commissioner Hill said, “It’s not an easy decision. The bottom line that the Commissioners need to consider is whether or not the application meets the standards and requirements of our Fremont County Development Code.”

He clarified that the developers applied for a Class II permit, and the application was “complete.”

Open space would be maintained on 69.7 percent of the land. Sensitive wetland areas would be set back by a 100-foot buffer.

But Davis also raised concerns from the development’s neighbor about irrigating on adjacent agricultural land. He also some agency letters – including one from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality – were not included in the packet.

Hill remarked that the necessary permits were included, and wildlife corridors and wetlands were properly addressed.

“They have a sketch plan, a site plan, contact map. Subdivisions are allowed within the Rural Base Zone with a Class II permit, open space,” Hill said. “They had a public hearing. They’ll have connection to a central wastewater treatment facility. They won’t have fencing, so wildlife won’t be restricted.”

Hill said “the application meets the performance standards for subdivisions in this zone.”

The decision comes after the Island Park Planning and Zoning Commission had rejected a request from Burtenshaw Land and Cattle to rezone the parcel in the Henry’s Lake Flats along the east side of U.S. Highway 20, Local News 8 reported previously.

The history of annexation and rezoning attempts on this land to allow higher-density residential development dates back to 2015.

The controversy is far from over.

Some Island Parks posted on social media they are considering a lawsuit to delay or block the project.

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