'Seattle News Weekly': Wildfire devastation in WA
Seattle News Weekly S1E47: Wildfire Concerns, Gas Prices, World Cup Goodbye
On this week's episode of Seattle News Weekly, FOX 13's Erin Mayovsky is joined by FOX 13's new streaming host and producer Felicia Michelle to talk about a number of topics, including wildfire concerns, gas prices on the rise and the World Cup wrapping up in Seattle.
SEATTLE - A deadly wildfire in Douglas County shocked the community after Fourth of July festivities, burning around 10,000 acres of land, sweeping away homes and leaving some families without shelter and the majority of their belongings.
On this week's episode of the Seattle News Weekly podcast, FOX 13 Seattle Anchor Erin Mayovsky introduces Felicia Michelle, who is the newest addition to the FOX Local Live Desk, as a streaming host. The two discuss the top headlines of the week, from the Chelan Hills fire in Douglas County, to updates on gas prices in our state and saying farewell to Seattle's era of hosting the FIFA World Cup in the city.
Felicia gets to know Seattle
The hosts open the podcast with a sweet introduction to the station's newest addition: Streaming Host Felicia Michelle. The two bond over their shared zodiac sign—Cancer—and how fun it is to have June and July birthdays. Felicia opens up about her initial impression of the "June gloom" and the shift to adjust to colder weather. She also talks about the shift to pronouncing local Pacific Northwest names, like "Puyallup" and "Snoqualmie."
The Washington State Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and gas prices
The hosts transition to state politics, detailing a request by WA State Republicans for Governor Bob Ferguson to call a special session to pause gas taxes associated with the CCA.
They discuss the public impact of high gas prices, noting that some families are forced to skip leisure activities, adjust business operations, or rely heavily on carpooling.
Erin notes that lawmakers under Jay Inslee initially put the CCA into effect in May 2021. Essentially, the CCA serves as Washington's comprehensive cap-and-invest program with the goal of slashing greenhouse gas emissions. Cap-and-invest programs mandate major polluters must buy allowances for every ton they emit.
The hosts play an interview clip from earlier in the week with a state senator who argues that, despite collecting over $4 billion, the act has not reduced carbon emissions in our state. The hosts then talk about the future of transportation in correlation with gas prices, including the challenges and logistics of shifting to electric vehicles.
Wildfire crisis in Douglas County
The focus shifts to the serious wildfire in Douglas County that sparked over the Fourth of July festivities. The hosts feature an audio segment from Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille, who describes the severe devastation from the fires, noting the loss of family homes and a fatality. The potential cause of the fire prompted a criminal investigation into arson and manslaughter charges.
The hosts also discuss the Ryegrass fire, which burned 800 acres and led to human-caused level three evacuations before being downgraded to a level two evacuation. Erin and Felicia share how disheartening the images of the fires are. They point out the statistic that 84% to 90% of fires in the U.S. are human-caused, whether that's carelessness or intent.
Reflecting on Seattle hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches
Turning to sports, the hosts look back at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle. They lightheartedly share their own competitive natures and experiences with the sport.
The talk pivots to a field report by Lauren Helmbrecht, who shows how empty the streets of Pioneer Square and Victory Hall became once the matches ended and Team USA was eliminated.
Despite localized complaints from the Chinatown-International District about being left out of the economic boom, city officials report that the six matches brought record hotel revenue, transit ridership, and global visibility to Seattle. Erin highlights local soccer icon Michelle Akers, who attended the same high school as her, and praises her historic impact on the sport.
The episode closes when Felicia expresses her gratitude for the job and how much she loves interacting with local viewers. To conclude, the hosts preview upcoming summer events, including local "Zip Trips" to towns like Lynnwood and the upcoming Seafair Torchlight Parade on July 25.
Seattle News Weekly is a podcast that goes in depth and gives context to the stories that matter to the western Washington community. Check back every Thursday for a new episode on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Amazon Music, TuneIn and Audible or YouTube.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
World Cup ends, Seattle traffic begins: 'Revive I-5' work resumes this week
Evacuations downgraded for wildfire near Lake Chelan
U.S. run at World Cup ends with 4-1 loss to Belgium
Here's where Washington wildfires are currently burning
Seattle-area Lululemon shoplifting suspects charged with organized retail theft
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