State and federal officials signed an agreement Wednesday to protect Washington’s forests and wildlife. The plan would combine resources to fight destructive wildfires, threats to forest health and challenges faced by salmon and orcas. “If we’re going to prevent the Evergreen State from turning brown, we must begin to coordinate, collaborate and work tirelessly to change the trajectory of these forests as one team,” said Hilary Franz, Washington’s lands commissioner and head of its Department of Natural Resources.
- PUB DATE: 5/8/2019 3:39:07 PM - SOURCE: Oregon Public Broadcasting

A decreased rating for Vashon’s firefighting capabilities has meant increased insurance costs for some property owners and additional understanding of the importance of local volunteer firefighters. Effective last June, the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) downgraded the fire protection rating of some areas on Vashon and Maury Islands from 5 to 9, with lower scores being better scores.
- PUB DATE: 5/8/2019 1:03:35 PM - SOURCE: Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Seattle will launch a pilot program, called “Health One,” in which a team of specially trained firefighters accompanied by a social worker will help people downtown with mental health and substance abuse problems. A special vehicle will be designated to serve as the lead Health One response unit to respond to incidents in the downtown core and adjacent residential neighborhood.
- PUB DATE: 5/8/2019 10:17:17 AM - SOURCE: Seattle/LocalHealthGuide

PHOTOS: Smoke poured through a hole in the roof of a rustic building in Everett’s Port Gardner neighborhood. As firefighters worked in the midday sun, 79-year-old John Estie stood by with other onlookers. Taking in the scene Tuesday, Estie said, “104 years up in smoke.” It was no emergency but rather live-fire training near the intersection of Nassau and 34th streets.
- PUB DATE: 5/8/2019 3:42:01 AM - SOURCE: Everett Herald