State health officials are taking steps to ensure Washington residents at highest risk for H1N1 (swine flu) infection have broad access to the new vaccine when it’s available. Secretary of Health Mary Selecky is temporarily suspending Washington’s limit on the amount of mercury (thimerosal) allowed in H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine given to pregnant women and children under three.

“It’s vital to be sure everyone in a high risk group has the choice to be vaccinated when swine flu vaccine becomes available,” said Secretary Selecky. “Mercury-free H1N1 vaccine may not always be in stock, and we want to be sure there are no barriers to protecting people.”

Olympia, WA - The public will have more time to review changes in state sportfishing rules proposed for 2010-12 under an extended comment period announced today by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Under the new timeline, WDFW will accept written comments through Dec. 1 on more than 100 proposed regulations - nearly a month longer than previously announced.

In addition, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has postponed a public hearing on the proposals until its Dec. 4-5 meeting in Olympia.  Written testimony can also be submitted during that meeting.

The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, is scheduled to take action on the proposed rule changes in February of 2010.

Oakville, WA - A 22 year old woman died this morning when she fell out of a truck bed and was run over by the truck. The Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Department was called to a Gravel Bar on the Chehalis River off of Matson Road in Oakville just after 2 o'clock.

The 22 year old Albany, Oregon woman was determined deceased at the scene, a 32 year old Oakville resident was taken into custody for vehicular homicide, the Sheriff's department reports the incident appears to be alcohol related, blood was drawn from the Oakville man, and will be tested for alcohol. Deputies are still interviewing witnesses and examining the scene.

Hoquiam, WA - The American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter dispatched aid to the scene of a devastating house fire in Hoquiam today. The early morning blaze forced a family of four to flee from their home located on the 400 block of Cleveland Street in Hoquiam. The Red Cross is helping the family with their immediate needs such as shelter, groceries, clothing, toiletries, and medication replacement.

A two-alarm Fire in Hoquiam this morning just after 3am damage a home, and left the attached garage a total loss. Headquarters Captain David Joy tells us the fire in the 400 block of Cleveland appeared to have started in the garage, then expanding to the home. Responders were able to clear the fire just after 6 this morning, the family in the home got out without injury, the cause of the fire, as well as estimated damages, remain under investigation.