The pressure in natural gas pipelines prior to a series of explosions and fires in Massachusetts last week was 12 times higher than it should have been, according to a letter from the state's U.S. senators to executives of the utility in charge of the pipelines. Democratic U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey sent the letter Monday seeking answers about the explosions from the heads of Columbia Gas, the company that serves the communities of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, and NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas.
- PUB DATE: 9/19/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NBC Boston

ISO has been developing grades of fire suppression capabilities for communities under our Public Protection Classification program for many years. We recognize there are often questions about the PPC process. This article is designed to help provide a better understanding of our PPC, along with information about some ways fire chiefs can get help with the related process.
- PUB DATE: 9/19/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FireRescue1

Joplin's finance director says critics are trying to force her out of her job, and the city manager says city employees who continue to stir rumors and act disrespectful could face disciplinary action. City Manager Sam Anselm holds fire and police employees responsible for repeated incidents in which he said untruths have been spread and employees have acted out against other city employees, such as the finance director, and the City Council.
- PUB DATE: 9/19/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Joplin Globe

It had the appearance of a typical wildfire. Firefighters in yellow-and-green protective gear worked to contain flames as they burned through brush and trees. They’d back off as dead trees started burning from the inside and began dropping limbs and parts of their trunks to the ground, raising clouds of ash and igniting fresh fires.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2018 11:36:49 PM - SOURCE: Yakima Herald-Republic

For the Methow Valley, wildfire is a way of life. Over the years, rural communities here in North Central Washington have learned to live with the threat, tragedy and benefits of fire on the land. Coffee shops post the latest fire boundaries and evacuation updates. “Thank you, firefighters” posters hang from store windows.
- PUB DATE: 9/18/2018 5:40:34 PM - SOURCE: news.opb