Seattle Schools knew there was methane gas beneath its new high school — but skipped some safety measures Before Seattle Public School spent $300 million to rebuild Rainier Beach High School on a peat bog, scientists hired by the district warned that methane in the soil could pose an explosive problem if it were to leak into the school. Ann Dornfeld
5 fire safety tips to consider this Labor Day Weekend Whether your Labor Day weekend plans include sitting around a campfire or grilling out, state officials are urging Washingtonians to prioritize fire safety. KUOW Staff
9 injured, 2 dead following spate of violence on Seattle-Tacoma area's warmest day Two people are dead and nine others injured after a spate of violence in the Seattle area on Wednesday, as temperatures climbed into the 80s for the first time this year. KUOW Staff
2 security guards on duty, video surveillance: Seattle passes new safety regulations for after-hours lounges The regulations are aimed at curbing a trend of violence associated with the venues, which have been at the center of several shootings and fights. Natalie Akane Newcomb
On-duty medic and fire units now staff Seattle sporting events and concerts, leaving coverage gaps A KUOW investigation found that the Seattle Fire Department diverted on-duty staff to work special events 147 times between November 2023 and November 2024, leaving fewer units to respond to emergencies citywide. Ann Dornfeld
Firefighters battle wildfire threatening small Western Washington town A wildfire that ignited last Wednesday west of Brinnon in Jefferson County, has now burned 398 acres and is less than 10% contained. The blaze has prompted a significant firefighting response from across Washington state and beyond. Diana Opong
Garfield High School students return to class after deadly shooting Students walked past a memorial of signs and flowers as they made their way back into Garfield High School on Tuesday morning, the first time since a student was killed in a shooting in the parking lot last Thursday. Casey Martin
Despite safety measures, promises, and plans, more people are dying on Washington roadways The city of Seattle released its three-year plan to lower traffic fatalities Thursday in the wake of a statewide report that says the number of people killed on Washington roads hit a 33-year high. Stephen Howie
Expert says Boeing's decision to move HQ from Seattle contributed to safety crisis The decision to move Boeing’s headquarters out of Seattle was one of several factors that eroded the company’s safety culture, according to expert testimony during a Senate hearing Wednesday. Monica Nickelsburg
Seattle has a long road ahead to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2030 Seattle city leaders say they want to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. But with some collisions still on the rise, it’s unclear if the city can make that goal. Casey Martin
