thunderstorms

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Top federal and state fire managers say the National Fire Preparedness Level will be raised to its highest point Friday afternoon. The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group made the announcement Thursday, saying the jump to Preparedness Level 5 reflects a high degree of wildfire activity and that further assistance from the military and international resources may be conside

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — A series of thunderstorms sparked fires and knocked down trees and power lines throughout the Columbia Basin. A direct lightning strike to a home in Richland on Monday night ignited the house, causing heavy damage...

SEATTLE (AP) — A series of thunderstorms rolling through Western Washington downed trees and power lines, but no serious injuries were reported. About 40,000 Puget Sound Energy customers remained without power after 9 p.m. Thursday after the National Weather Service had issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of the state and Oregon throughout the day...

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Officials with BNSF Railway say mudslides have forced the suspension of train traffic on a heavily traveled section of rails between Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Gus Melonas, spokesman for the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, says early Friday that 10 slides just north of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge have halted rail traffic...

The Taylor Bridge fire is still burning today.  But some progress was made on Thursday.  Firefighters now say the blaze is about 33 percent contained.  They're hoping to keep it contained today despite tough weather conditions.  A red flag warning is in place for today and tomorrow...