In movies, when we see fiery car crashes or flaming planes on runways, we know they are not real. But in the real world, fuel fires must be quenched with special kinds of chemicals, and the ones that have been most commonly used are known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). However, environmental and health concerns about AFFFs have launched widespread efforts to detect, monitor and eventually eliminate them.
- PUB DATE: 9/19/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: National Institute of Standards and Technology

The Seattle City Council will vote next week on a proposal to tighten restrictions on empty properties that are part of the city's Vacant Building Monitoring Program. The proposal comes as the city has seen an increase in unsecured vacant buildings since 2021. Representatives of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) said unsecured properties pose an ongoing public safety risk.
- PUB DATE: 9/19/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

A gas leak in northwest Spokane prompted people to evacuate from multiple businesses in the area. The Spokane Fire Department said crews in the area were digging behind the Safeway at the Shadle Shopping Center on West Wellesley Avenue and ruptured a gas line with an excavator. SFD says their biggest concern is soil containment.
- PUB DATE: 9/19/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

No threat is currently posed to the public by the Cowlitz Complex Fires, a collective name for 30 blazes throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that were sparked by a lightning storm on Aug. 25. Currently, the fires, which are at a collective 695 acres, are 34% contained. Just three of the 30 fires remain in “active” status, while more than half are out or controlled.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2023 8:10:36 PM - SOURCE: Centralia Chronicle

Who says black cats mean bad luck? Regardless of the superstition, two black kittens got lucky when their tiny cries were heard coming from a Marysville storm drain. Police said a neighbor called 911 for help after they heard meowing near Marysville-Getchell High School on Saturday. Marysville Police Community Service Officer Mette went to check out the situation and then asked firefighters in the Marysville Fire District for help freeing the felines.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2023 4:16:00 PM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle