Environment Fire-prone old BNSF train ignited 500-acre Columbia Gorge blaze, state finds Chunks of hot carbon and lubricant pads spewed from a 1970s-era BNSF Railway locomotive caused a wildfire in southern Washington in July, according to an investigation from the Washington Department of Natural Resources. John Ryan
Environment How AI is helping detect wildfires in Washington High-tech fire lookouts are now helping spot wildfires in Washington. This fire season, the state has cameras geared up with artificial intelligence. And so far, we’re told it’s working. Courtney Flatt
Environment Oregon Road Fire survivor recounts harrowing escape Justin Knutsen his wife and children had mere minutes to escape their home in Elk, Wash., as the Oregon Road Fire bore down on them. Angela King
Environment Another struggle after the Maui fires: keeping toxic runoff out of the ocean There's little that separates the ocean from the 2,200 burned buildings in Lahaina. Officials are working to block runoff that could harm the coral reefs offshore. Lauren Sommer
Environment Stop flying drones near wildfires. Firefighters are grounding planes as result "Our firefighting operations are more important than those 12 likes you'll get on Instagram." KUOW Staff
Environment Are kids in danger when wildfire smoke hits, even on 'moderate' days? The Puget Sound area has seen good, moderate, and dangerous air quality in the last few weeks due to wildfire smoke. Last weekend was especially bad, but many people hit the streets and parks anyway. John O'Brien
Business Grace periods, protection from cancellations: WA shields insurance policyholders amid wildfires Washington’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner has issued an emergency order with special protections for policyholders in areas where wildfires are burning. Amy Radil
National 'Miracle house' owner hopes it will serve as a base for rebuilding Lahaina "There was a neighbor who sent a note to us and said, 'Oh, you won the lottery,'" Trip Millikin, whose house survived, told NPR. "And I almost wanted to throw up when I got that." Bill Chappell
Environment Wildfire season in Washington state: How prescribed burns could reduce danger With wildfire smoke blanketing the entire state, Soundside host Libby Denkmann looks at the state of fires burning near Spokane, and how prescribed burns could help mitigate the issues we face every year. Libby Denkmann Alec Cowan Jason Burrows
