High winds swept Sitka on Monday (1-29-24), causing electrical outages and traffic hazards due to fallen trees. At least two downed trees were reported blocking roadways Monday morning. In an interview with KCAW, Fire Chief Craig Warren said that crews cleared a tree blocking traffic in the 1400 block of Halibut Point Road by 3 p.m.; another tree blocking traffic in the 1200 block of HPR was also cleared. The pedestrian sea walk east of the Sitka Sound Science Center remains closed due to a fallen tree. No major roadways were blocked as of press time. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Park said that high winds around the region have caused hazards, with gusts as high as 105 mph and sustained winds up to 60 mph.  

PHOTOS: Multiple fire departments are still battling a large fire burning at a chicken farm in a rural part of Northeast Brazos County. The fire was reported just after 5 p.m. at Feather Crest Farms near Fickey Road east of Kurten and officials Monday night said it could be days before it's fully extinguished. Black plumes of smoke could be seen as far away as Limestone County as two buildings burned on the property, but it's unclear what exactly started it. There is no public threat or hazmat concerns linked to the blaze, authorities said in a news conference Monday evening. According to Brazos County Sheriff Wayne Dicky, Democrat Road is closed and all lanes of Highway 21 are back open, but authorities are urging people to stay away from the area and not stop on the side of the road to take photos.  

Imagine that you're jogging down a trail and you trip on a rock. You've twisted your ankle, and there's nobody around. So you call 911, but the dispatchers don't know where you are and neither do you. Well, you're in luck. Orange County has implemented a new form of emergency communications technology that allows residents to make video calls to first responders. That means people in need can not only describe their emergencies, but also show them — helping responders to identify locations and assess more precisely the level of danger someone may face. This technology is the first of its kind in Central Florida and has the potential to save lives in a new and innovative way. There are many different scenarios in which the 911 video software may be useful, Kimberly Stewart-Horan, Division Chief of Communications for Orange County Fire Rescue, said.  

A new bill proposed by State Representative Daniel Pae (R-Lawton) would void costs of medical screenings for Oklahoma firefighters. House Bill 3573 was named "Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act." The yearly screenings covered in the bill are for lung, prostate, testicular, skin, colon and breast cancers. The bill not only covers all permanent firefighters, but umbrellas over volunteer firefighters as well. "The Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act, devoid of deductibles and co-payments, is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding those who risk their lives and health tirelessly protecting our communities," Pae said. "By confronting cancer head-on and encouraging early detection, we can give all of Oklahoma's firefighters their best chance for a healthy and resilient future."