Earning themselves the moniker of "forever chemicals" due to their ability to persist for a long time in the environment, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly being shown to pose serious risks to human health. In light of this improved awareness scientists are ramping up their efforts to better break them down before they can cause harm, and a new breakthrough demonstrates how it might be done in a matter of hours using UV light.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New Atlas

An encampment fire under the Denny Way overpass spewed a large plume of smoke over I-5 Sunday afternoon. Seattle Fire crews responded to the fire at Eastlake Ave and Denny Way just after 12:30 p.m. No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

Just before 1 PM Sunday Everett Fire crews were called to a mobile home park in the 7700 Block of Hardeson Road for reports of heavy smoke coming from one of the homes. There were no people there at the time and firefighters had to force entry to gain access to the fire. A dog was inside but was quickly accounted for.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: My Everett News

May is wildfire prevention month, and the city of Gig Harbor is doing what it can to prepare for wildfire season. To make sure your home or neighborhood is prepared for the coming fire season, the Pierce Conservation District, East Pierce Fire & Rescue, Orting Valley Fire, Greenwater Fire and Washington State Department of Natural Resources have teamed up for a Virtual Firewise Seminar that will take place May 25 at 6 p.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The News Tribune

Last week, three bear cubs returned to their natural habitat. The bears were badly burned during last year's wildfires near Lake Chelan and Cedar Creek. Rich Beausoleil, a bear and cougar specialist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, was involved in the capture of the injured cubs last year.
- PUB DATE: 5/23/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS News Yakima