AROUND ALASKA: History Made, Smokejumpers Gear Up, & Retirement Paw-ty | Around Alaska [Video]

The public safety building in Haines is now a little closer to being replaced. The current public safety building houses both the fire and police departments in Haines as well as the jail but the borough manager tells KHNS it is sinking into the ground. Thankfully, Congress passed a budget bill that included $12 million for a brand-new building. The design process is still underway, so right now, there’s no timetable for the project in Haines.

Beginning Monday, Smokejumpers will begin preparing for the upcoming fire season. The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service says crews will take part in training jumps high up above Fairbanks and North Pole. Additional training sessions are planned throughout April and May.

Our Alaska National Guardsmen practicedwhat it would be like to respond to a natural disaster. They recently took part in Exercise: Vigilant Guard, which simulated the impact of a 9.2 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in Prince William …