Three new scientific studies published this month show that the COVID-19 virus can spread in more ways than we once knew. Research from various parts of the world considered three separate factors in each study: low humidity, public restrooms and airborne dust. The implications from all three of these studies? Mask up! A study just published in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases confirms an earlier study conducted in the Greater Sydney, Australia area during the early stages of the pandemic reported a link between low humidity and community spread of COVID-19.
- PUB DATE: 8/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Forbes

Washington is now under a state of emergency for wildfires across on both sides of the Cascades, where several large fires are now burning. The state has not declared a drought. Washington state law defines drought as creating an economic hardship, largely involving water shortages for farmers and cities.
- PUB DATE: 8/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, leader of Washington state’s wildfire fighting force, reiterated on Aug. 10 her message to residents: Please take serious efforts to reduce COVID-19 spread and prevent human-caused wildfires. The reminder is due to an incident over the weekend where an asymptomatic DNR firefighter who had been serving at a fire camp tested positive for COVID-19.
- PUB DATE: 8/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Islands' Sounder

A possible serial arsonist could be on the run and responsible for at least ten fires in Seattle. Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins is urging neighbors and business owners in the area to be extremely vigilant. Powerful flames and smoke caught the attention of Christopher Kokovich just after 5:00 a.
- PUB DATE: 8/20/2020 7:46:33 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13 Seattle

The Palmer Fire continues to burn out of control northeast of Loomis. The fire began about 2:51 p.m. Aug. 18 near Washburn Lake and spread quickly north and then east. Size estimates range from 5,000 to 6,000 acres. State mobilization was authorized at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 19 at the request of Fire District No.
- PUB DATE: 8/20/2020 1:05:08 PM - SOURCE: Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle