Lake Whatcom fire 90% contained, The blob to return to PNW, Work begins on Whatcom Falls Park Trestle removal, PeaceHealth to restore palliative care, Avian Flu spreading, Money available for those affected by E WA wildfires, Bainbridge ferry limited to walk ons only, WA traffic deaths trending higher
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STORY: Lake Whatcom fire 90% contained
The Lake Whatcom fire is nearly enclosed as firefighters report that 90 percent of it is contained.
The north flank of the fire has been a particularly hard area to reach for ground crews because of steep slopes and cliffs. However over the weekend, helicopters have dropped water on this area and managed to secure it. Now with the more difficult areas taken care of, firefighters are finishing up the effort on foot.
The fire broke out last Monday and there was a Level 2 evacuation order in place for much of last week. Now that most of the fire has been taken care of, the evacuation order has been downgraded to Level 1, and state and federal government officials are leaving the mop-up operations to local Department of Natural Resources crews.
Blue Canyon Road will remain closed for non-residents until further notice.
STORY: The Blob to return to the PNW
A mass of warm ocean water known as “The Blob”, is predicted to revisit the Pacific coast for a third time.
The return of the Blob could mean less snow for skiers and snowboarders and an extension on the current drought. The increased temperature of the water may also drive away salmon in search of cooler waters to feed in.
The Blob was first detected in 2013, where it led to mass seabird die-offs, migrations of fish and plankton, lower oxygen levels, and an increase in toxic algae blooms that affected marine mammals.
After its first appearance, the Blob split up into multiple smaller warm water bodies, affecting Alaska, Mexico, as well as the Pacific Northwest. Although forecasters hoped that weather patterns were going to shift back in 2017, the Blob has returned and, in combination with a predicted El Niño, this coming winter looks to be much warmer and drier than usual.
STORY: Work begins on Whatcom Falls Park Trestle removal
The beloved Whatcom Falls Park Trestle is being removed. According to park officials, the structure is beyond repair and will be removed by the end of September so the work doesn’t interfere with salmon spawning in the creek below the trestle.
According to Bellingham Parks and Recreation Project Engineer Gina Austin, the trestle is in a floodway, where structures are no longer permitted and some of the trestle’s pilings have rotted all the way through. Also, the timber used in the trestle was treated with creosote (kree – uh – sowt), which contaminates water bodies.
People are asked to stay away from the structure during demolition.
STORY: PeaceHealth to restore palliative care
The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, in partnership with PeaceHealth, has announced its intention to reinstate an outpatient palliative care program or OPPC for the residents of Whatcom County.
This decision comes in response to community feedback following PeaceHealth’s earlier announcement to reduce comprehensive palliative care services. In a recent announcement, Dr. Scott Foster, the CEO of PeaceHealth Medical Group, acknowledged that the previous decision regarding OPPC was made hastily without consulting key stakeholders and apologized for any distress it caused.
In the release, PeaceHealth said a new model has been developed with a focus on sustainability and improved efficiency to serve both cancer and non-cancer patients.
The proposed model was approved by the Foundation Board last week. PeaceHealth plans to launch the program in early 2024.
STORY: Avian flu spreading
The Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are advising the public to avoid any contact with wild birds, particularly those that appear sick or dead.
The outbreak of bird flu affecting birds and seals near Fort Flagler State Park which began in July seems to be spreading. Initial findings suggest that three harbor seals from the same area may also be infected with avian influenza, with confirmation testing pending. WDFW has already removed over 1,700 deceased Caspian terns and gulls from the area and is actively monitoring the situation.
Recent detections of infected Caspian terns have also been reported near the Port of Everett, Port of Tacoma, and along the lower Columbia River.
Although human infections of avian influenza are rare, they can occur through extended contact with infected animals or surfaces contaminated with their saliva or feces. Dogs and other animals can also become sick from bird flu, so don’t let your pets come in contact with sick or dead animals.
WDFW urges the public to report any sick or dead birds promptly using their online form. To learn more, go to the Fish and Wildlife webpage.
STORY: Money available for those affected by E WA wildfires
Cash relief is available for people affected by the Eastern Washington wildfires. Residents in Spokane, Pend Orielle (POND uh RAY) and Whitman counties – if affected by the fires – can apply for immediate cash relief from Washington’s Disaster Cash Assistance Program.
Unlike other cash relief programs, applying as a single person or non-pregnant individual is an option. This money is not available to people already receiving other disaster cash relief however, and the awarded amount is based on income, household size and need.
Relief dollars can – at maximum – range from over $400 for a single person to over $1500 for a household of 10 or more.
People can apply online at washingtonconnection.org or in person at their local community services office or call the disaster cash assistance hotline at 877-501-2233 to complete the entire application process over the phone.
STORY: Bainbridge ferry limited to walk ons only
The Bainbridge ferry will reduce crossings to only one boat and only allow walk-on travel this week.
According to Washington State Ferries, the terminal is under construction and the drastic reduction in traffic is an effort to minimize impacts and allow construction crews to make headway on an overhead walkway.
The Seattle/Bainbridge route is the busiest crossing in the Washington ferry system, and because of these restrictions, travelers can expect more traffic on the Bremerton, Kingston and Southworth ferries. To deal with the likely spillover traffic, authorities are allocating another ferry to run at the Kingston route as crew staffing allows. Drivers may also choose to drive around over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
The new walkway is scheduled to open this fall at some point. The destruction of the old walkway will happen shortly thereafter.
STORY: WA traffic deaths trending higher
2022 was the deadliest year on Washington’s roads since 1990, and so far 2023 is showing a troubling increase in traffic fatalities.
While the state has experienced fewer total deadly accidents this year, each collision has resulted in more fatalities on average. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Washington State Patrol, various factors contribute to this concerning trend, including increased speeding, heavier vehicles, more residential building along multilane roads and reduced traffic enforcement.
In 2022, 75% of deadly crashes involved at least one of the “fatal four” factors: impairment, distraction, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.
The Department of Transportation says preliminary figures are being shared to raise awareness. Education campaigns and increased traffic enforcement are being implemented, and lawmakers have approved incentives to recruit more State Patrol officers and boost traffic enforcement.
However, broader initiatives– like banning right turns on red and lowering the legal blood alcohol limit– have not succeeded in the legislature.
WX: Mostly Sunny
After some minimal showers this morning, today will be mostly sunny with a high of 67. Expect the clear weather will stay into the night when we cool to an overnight low of 52. A slight chance of rain is predicted for tomorrow.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Susan Lindsey, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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