Maple Valley was home to technical rescue training

During the last week, firefighters practiced trench rescue in a realistic environment.

JR Hayes Corporation, a contractor in Maple Valley, allowed the South King County Fire Training Consortium to hold a rescue training, according to a press release.

The release stated as our region grows, construction-related emergencies are becoming more of a possibility.

Firefighters must be ready to evaluate the situation, determine a plan based on the risk, execute the plan and evaluate how the plan worked based on the goals they set.

“This week’s training provides unique rescue scenarios in a controlled environment to continue developing these skills The SKCFTC would like to thank the JR Hayes Corporation for their continued support as local firefighters work to keep the public and rescuers safe,” the release said.

Volunteers needed for ninth annual survey

The Washington State Department of Transportation is looking for volunteers to help count how many people walk or ride their bike places.

The three day survey begins Tuesday, Sept. 27.

According to a press release, roughly 400 people are needed to help count.

In 2015, volunteers tallied more than 74,000 bicyclists and pedestrians, the release said.

The WSDOT along with the Cascade Bicycle Club are partnering with FeetFirst, Washington Bikes and Futurewise to help make this count happen.

“The data from this survey helps communities in many ways,” Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar said in the release. “Volunteers are a key piece of the collection process – we couldn’t do this work without them.”

The data is used by a number of agencies to assess demand, the benefit of projects dedicated to bicyclists and pedestrians among other policies and funding.

To learn more about volunteering, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Count.htm, email the Cascade Bicycle Club at JeffA@cascade.org or call 206-439-4301.

Fans should plan ahead

With the Seattle Seahawks at home for the first game of the regular season and the University of Washington Huskies hosting its week two opponent, fans should prepare for traffic.

Eastbound traffic on Interstate 90 begins 11 p.m. tonight, Friday, and continues until 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12.

Due to the lane closures eastbound, all traffic will be routed into the express lanes.

This backup on I-90 will likely effect traffic on Interstate 5 and state Route 520.

The Huskies’ game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday and the Hawks kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Department of Transportation suggests checking traffic travel times prior to leaving.

You can do so by visiting www.wsdot.com/traffic/seattle/default.aspx or call 511 for real-time information.

The DOT also suggests riding transit, carpooling or riding public transportation.