Fire crews around the Inland Northwest are on high alert on Thursday and Friday as wind speeds increase with a passing cold front. The combination of hot, dry and windy weather increases fire danger dramatically. The dry front will produce some cloud cover but temperatures will only cool by a few degrees, keeping afternoon high temperatures in the 80s over the weekend and possibly pointing to 90s by early next week.
- PUB DATE: 7/16/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2 News Spokane

The Yakima Health District reported 68 new COVID-19 cases, totaling 8,831 confirmed cases as of Wednesday evening. In addition, YHD says there are two new deaths of COVID-19, totaling to 176 death cases in Yakima County. A person in their 70's and one in their 80's passed away due to the virus, according to health officials.
- PUB DATE: 7/16/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS/CW+ 29 Yakima

A former Seattle resident was arrested Tuesday in connection to a fire that started outside the Seattle Police's East Precinct during the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, known as "CHOP." Authorities said Isaiah Thomas Willoughby, 35, faces arson charges for his alleged role in the incident. “This is the third case we have charged federally for the criminal acts that tainted otherwise peaceful protests," said U.
- PUB DATE: 7/15/2020 9:03:49 PM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

After nearly 40 years of service, Ron Garrison has retired from his post as a commissioner with the Brinnon Fire Department. His replacement was appointed at a special meeting Monday, July 6 at Station 41, on Schoolhouse Road, thus officially capping Garrison’s 37-year tenure in the position. “He’s been good to work with and he was very passionate,” said department spokesperson and longtime administrative assistant Peggy Ware.
- PUB DATE: 7/15/2020 1:00:55 PM - SOURCE: Port Townsend Leader

The fire that broke out on the USS Bonhomme Richard on Sunday was still burning at the time of writing. The blaze has caused at least 20 casualties, and the fate of the ship is unclear, with Navy officials stating it was too soon to say if the vessel will be salvageable. But new firefighting technology might have stopped the fire before it ran out of control.
- PUB DATE: 7/15/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Forbes