A new $350M grant program was announced Wednesday to help upstate New York airports dispose of firefighting foam that has polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in it. The grant also looks to decontaminate equipment and transition to alternative foams to protect New York water supplies and boost public health and firefighter safety.
“Over the last few years, we have taken aggressive steps on the sustainability front at our airport to ensure we’re doing our part to protect our environment,” said Phil Calderone, CEO at Albany International Airport. “The successful disposal and replacement of airport firefighting foam containing PFAs is an important step in protecting our brave first responders, community, and environment for generations. I commend Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his steadfast leadership on this important issue and look forward to our continued partnership as we work towards our sustainability goals at ALB.”
WTEN-TV ABC 10 Albany
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The New York City Fire Museum in Manhattan is closed indefinitely after an emergency evacuation Saturday due to concerns about its structural safety, according to its website.
“This decision comes after an emergency evacuation on Saturday, May 11, following crane operations on Spring Street that led to concerns about the structural integrity of the building,” the notice on their website reads. “The safety of our visitors and staff is our utmost priority, and this closure is a precautionary measure while we await clearance.”
The museum’s Executive Director Patti Murphy told the Daily News that on Saturday morning, employees heard a loud bang and felt the building vibrate. Its collection of around 10,000 firefighting memorabilia didn’t appear damaged, the Daily News reported.
Gothamist
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FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh is celebrating the successful Congressional passage of lithium-ion battery regulation, achieved through collaborative advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal partners.
“This bill is the first step in what must be a long-term, nationwide conversation,” Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said. “Technologies like these are evolving rapidly, and public safety agencies must be part of those conversations. We need to work together, share information and ideas.”
H.R. 1797, also known as the “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act,” would require the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used commonly in micro mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, to protect against fire risk.
City of New York Fire Department
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Around 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, Syracuse firefighters were called to a fire at a vacant building at 400 Erie Boulevard West. Firefighters found a small fire on the first floor of the building, which was quickly put out, Syracuse Fire Department said.
Crews searched the building and did not find any other fires. No victims were found inside.
SFD is still looking into the cause of the fire.
WSYR-TV ABC 9 Syracuse
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