Latest news with #StateFireMarshal'sOffice
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nebraska fireworks sales begin this week after lawmakers increased State Fire Marshal fees
Revelers enjoy the July 4 fireworks in Ralston, Neb., in 2016. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — The return of retail fireworks sales this week comes after Nebraska lawmakers increased State Fire Marshal fees this spring, many for the first time in nearly four decades. Retail fireworks sales started Tuesday ahead of Independence Day (July 4), with sales able to continue through July 5 on a July license, according to state law. The same law required such seasonal retail license applications — now $100 per stand, instead of $25 — to be received no later than June 9. Other fireworks aficionados are also paying higher fees this season, such as jobbers at $400 (up from $200) and distributors at $1,000 (up from $500). Anyone wishing to conduct a public exhibition or 'display fireworks' must receive a 'display' permit, now costing $100 per date, up from $10. State Sen. Dave Wordekemper of Fremont, who led the proposed fee increases through Legislative Bill 434 this year at the request of the State Fire Marshal's Office, said this spring that the fees were a 'critical need that has been overlooked for far too long.' Wordekemper said, for instance, that some of the fire marshal's state fees had not been changed since the 1980s or 1990s. The increases, he said, still wouldn't keep up with the actual costs of such services. 'These fee increases are not taken lightly, but they are necessary to ensure the continued operation of vital safety services that protect our communities, schools, hospitals and businesses,' Wordekemper said in April. State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha, vice chair of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee, gave Wordekemper's bill a boost on the floor saying that the alternative would be more funds from the state's main pocketbook, fueled by sales and income taxes. She said the fee increases would not touch family homes. Armendariz noted there is some 'sticker shock' to some of the increases, but she and Wordekemper said that might not have been the case if the fees were more regularly updated. All fees increasing under LB 434: Fireworks display permit — $100 per date (up from $10). Fireworks distributor's license — $1,000 (up from $500). Fireworks jobber's license — $400 (up from $200). Fireworks retailer's license — $100 per stand (up from $25). Fire alarm inspections — Up to $200 (previous cap was $100). State fire code inspections and compliance, late submittal after remodeling or construction — 50% of projected plan review fee (up from $50 flat fee). Fire safety inspections — $50-$300 (up from $25-$150). Plan reviews (beginning Sept. 1) — Up to $5,000 (previous cap was $500) Plan reviews for accessibility standards and specifications — Up to $5,000 (previous cap was $250). Water-based fire protection system contractor certificate (and renewals) — Up to $200 (previous cap was $100). Tank registration for farm or residential (one-time fee) — $10 (up from $5). Tank installation permit — $75 (up from $50). Tank registration permit (annual) — Up to $60 (previous cap was $30). The State Fire Marshal's Office estimates collecting an additional $800,000 in revenue the next fiscal year (beginning July 1) and $1.5 million the following fiscal year, which could be used to reduce or replace 'reliance' on state dollars. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Illegal fireworks have caused over 200 serious injuries, 500 fires in Mass. in the last 5 years
The State Fire Marshal's Office is warning Massachusetts residents against indulging in illegal fireworks ahead of the July 4th holiday. Illegal fireworks have caused more than 200 serious injuries, over 500 fires and explosions and nearly $1 million in damages in Massachusetts alone over the past five years, the fire marshal's office said in a press release. Incidents involving illegal fireworks spike in number every year during the weeks before and after July 4, the fire marshal's office said. These incidents can draw firefighters and paramedics away from other emergencies in your community, Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association President Patrick Purcell said in the release. Additionally, state law mandates that police seize any illegal fireworks they find — even those that were purchased lawfully in another state and then transported to Massachusetts, the fire marshal's office said. People who use or possess fireworks illegally can be fined, while those who sell illegal fireworks can be sentenced to jail. 'They are illegal without licensing and certification because they are so dangerous. Please don't risk a fire, an injury or a day in court — leave fireworks to the professionals," State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said in the release. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services maintains a continuously updated list of permitted fireworks displays throughout the summer, the fire marshal's office said. To view the list and learn more about the dangers of illegal fireworks, visit the Fire Services Department's website. Mass. beach closures: These beaches are closed in Mass. on Monday, June 23 Kim Petras plays bangers at first-ever Boston OUTLOUD Music Festival (Photos) AIC's Josh Frometa sets record in Starfires' loss to Worcester in 3rd Summer Classic Trixie Mattel flaunts DJ skills at inaugural Boston OUTLOUD Music Festival (Photos) Motorcyclist accused of pointing gun at driver in Hingham road rage incident Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
Revere community mourns death of retired police officer who died in fire
The Revere community is mourning the death of 77-year-old retired city Police Officer Richard 'Richie' Serino, who was killed in a fire in the city Tuesday afternoon. A passerby called 911 to report the fire at a multi-family home on Washington Avenue just before 4:40 p.m., the State Fire Marshal's Office said previously. Firefighters got the 'fast moving' flames under control and pulled Serino from the house, but he was later declared dead at a hospital. Revere community members describe Serino as 'an icon' in his community who was 'well-respected.' He became a city police officer in 1979 and spent 34 years working for the department before retiring in 2013, according to Revere police. Serino served as a motorcycle officer in the police department's Traffic Unit for much of his career in law enforcement, according to Revere police. Interim Revere Police Chief Maria LaVita described him as 'quick-witted and always smiling' in a Wednesday press release. Read more: Retired Revere police officer dies after fire tears through home 'Richie was a proud United States Marine and dedicated his career to serving and protecting the City of Revere, the community he loved so deeply,' the police department wrote in a Facebook post. Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe said in a statement mourning Serino's death that the city's residents will miss driving by Serino's 'legendary' holiday decorations. 'Richie Serino was a community staple, who took pride in his home and his family. He comes from a lineage of Reverians with a rich history in public service, and we are grateful for his, and his family's, contributions to the betterment of our city,' Keefe said in the statement. Among those Serino leaves behind are his wife, Trudy, and his son, John Serino, who is a Revere firefighter. Read more: Ex-Revere police officer dead after 'fast-moving' house fire identified 'Richie wasn't just a proud Marine or a veteran Revere police officer, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to so many,' Revere State Rep. Jessica Giannino, D-16th Suffolk, said in a Facebook post. Giannino described Serino as 'a community staple' whose family has been friends with hers for generations. She was honored to help celebrate his service to the Revere community at the Massachusetts State House just a few weeks ago, she said. Serino 'dedicated his life to his country and his City' and 'worked to keep the streets safe for our residents,' Revere City Councilor-at-Large Bob Haas said in a statement to MassLive. Revere City Councilor-at-Large Michelle Kelley described him as 'a cherished public servant whose dedication touched countless lives' in her own statement. 'His genuine kindness, quiet dedication, and unwavering integrity touched everyone he encountered,' former Revere City Councilor-at-Large Steve Morabito said in a Facebook post. Starfires score 7, stifle late rally to knock off FCBL-leading Bravehearts Powerball: See the winning numbers in Wednesday's $101 million drawing Max Scherzer and Tanner Houck face Triple A at Polar Park Worcester man charged with murder in fatal stabbing of college student from 2008 Two found shot dead inside Brockton home in apparent domestic murder-suicide Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
FIRE REPORT: Second Creek fire continues blazing, one other fire mostly contained
May 29—LEAVENWORTH — The Second Creek Fire is sitting at around 75 acres as of Thursday night, growing around 9.9 acres since Wednesday, according to a statement from Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue. The fire started Monday around 11 a.m. with the fire being assumed to be human caused and under investigation. There is around 20% containment as of Thursday night. The fire is located on steep, remote terrain approximately eight miles north of Leavenworth, near the community of Plain, according to the statement. Around 150 personnel are working on containing the blaze, according to Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue. The fire overall showed minimal growth or increased fire activity Wednesday. There was moderate rainfall over the fire footprint Thursday morning and temperatures have lowered in the fire area after the high found Wednesday. "It is a pretty steep terrain that is presenting some challenges to containment, but crews are working hard despite those challenges," Department of Natural Resources Wildfire Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck said. Highway 261 Fire The Highway 261 fire started Tuesday around 1:19 p.m., according to a statement from the State Fire Marshal's Office. The fire was an estimated 200 acres and located near Washtucna on State Route 261 and Lyons Ferry Road. According to Deputy State Fire Marshal Amy Thornton, the fire is mostly contained at around 5 p.m. Thursday night. "Things are pretty much being wrapped up this evening," Thornton said. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, according to the statement.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
District attorney challenges ‘lenient' sentence for Louisiana twin brothers in money laundering scheme
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton has appealed the sentence for the McCormick brothers in the First Circuit Court of Appeal, who faced money laundering charges. In Dec. 2024, Robert and Thomas McCormick, both 51, were found guilty of multiple charges, including: Conspiracy to commit money laundering. Money laundering. Conspiracy to commit malfeasance in office. Conspiracy to commit filing false public documents. Conspiracy to commit felony theft. Conspiracy to commit prohibited splitting of profits. On May 9, they were sentenced to three years of probation as well as paying restitution for $214,262 to the State Fire Marshal's Office, $5,000 each to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office, and paying court fees. Clayton believes the sentencing was too 'lenient.' The district attorney's office asked for jail time for the brothers and almost $850,000 in restitution. In addition, the Legislative Auditor's Office requested almost $98,000 in restitution. In a press release, Clayton mentioned that similar cases received more 'just sentences.' 'The McCormick brothers made over $800,000 off their money laundering scheme and milked the state and its citizens of hundreds of thousands of dollars,' said Clayton. 'Yet they were sentenced to only probation and to pay only $214,000 in restitution. We feel this sentence is excessively lenient for these crimes. They profited greatly from this illegal scheme. We feel strongly that the sentence should reflect the severity of these crimes.' According to the DA, Robert was an employee of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office and Thomas was an attorney. The pair worked together to buy emergency supplies at a lower price and bid the items to the state for a higher price. These supplies included water, food, ice, and portable restrooms during state emergencies after hurricanes. Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: The EV Revolutionizer Mother abandons children, then reports them as missing Pit bulls rescued from neglect in Louisiana to go up for adoption New York Times agrees to license its material for Amazon's AI Toyota Tundra recall: Over 400K vehicles affected Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
