In March 1999, a routine truck journey through the Mont Blanc Tunnel turned into one of Europe’s most horrifying disasters. Dozens died trapped in smoke and fire hotter than molten steel. But behind ...

The country’s prime minister called the blaze “a disaster of enormous proportions.” The cause was still to be determined.

In some communities, fire crews are delayed -- not by distance, but by a lack of equipment. Higher costs and supply chain issues means some departments have to wait years for new trucks.