Federal regulators are warning railroads that the long trains they favor can cause all kinds of problems and contribute to derailments, so they want the railroads to ensure their training and operating procedures account for that. The Federal Railroad Administration stopped short of recommending in its latest safety advisory issued Thursday that railroads limit the size of their trains, which can routinely stretch more than 2 miles long.
- PUB DATE: 4/28/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Hill

Washington is on track to receive the state’s first electric fire engines through grants that aim to reduce harmful diesel exhaust. The Washington Department of Ecology has awarded $1.18 million towards the purchase of electric fire engines for the Bellevue and Redmond fire departments. The cities are expected to receive the new vehicles from Pierce Manufacturing and replace two existing diesel-powered fire engines in 2026.
- PUB DATE: 4/28/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: State of Washington Department of Ecology

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is investigating a bacterial outbreak after 31 patients at its First Hill campus were infected. The Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria was first detected at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in October 2022 and the latest confirmed case was identified on April 3. The bacteria can cause pneumonia or bloodstream and wound infections.
- PUB DATE: 4/28/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

After the Bolt Creek Fire ripped through areas near Gold Bar in 2022, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management is warning residents to be prepared for another fire season in 2023. In addition, local leaders also want residents to develop emergency plans for flooding, earthquakes and the potential for man-made hazards like train derailments and hazmat spills on US 2.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2023 5:58:08 AM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13 Tacoma

The Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad (GVFRS) says crews responded to a large fire in an effort that spanned three hours. Personnel responded to the working structure fire at 11:12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26. The scene was located off Lord Carrington Drive. When crews arrived, they found heavy flames on the second floor and attic area.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2023 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WTKR-TV CBS 3 Norfolk