Front Porch

NEWS BRIEFS

Power out after apartment fire

Firefighters stopped an apartment fire from spreading and causing more extensive damage at a West Casino Road complex Monday morning.

Everett Assistant Fire Marshal Steve Goforth said the blaze started in one apartment and damaged two others. Crews knocked down the flames before 9 a.m.

The fire was being investigated. Its cause and a damage estimate were not available.

Goforth said there were reports of injuries that were not life-threatening. Up to three apartments were without power because it was disconnected as a safety precaution, displacing an unknown number of residents.

— Herald Staff

Christmas trees can pose fire hazard

The Marysville Fire District reminds everyone to celebrate the holidays safely after a recent fire near a family’s Christmas tree.

An extension cord malfunction is believed to have caused the fire on 29th Avenue NE on Dec. 13. The fire extended to curtains near the extension cord and Christmas tree but a family member was able to put out the fire.

Remember to:

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

• Avoid overloading extension cords and using cords that are frayed, pinched or feel hot.

• Keep your Christmas tree at least 3 feet from any heat source.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose connections.

• Test your smoke alarms monthly.

— The Marysville Globe

EVENTS

New Year’s Eve parties

A New Year’s Eve Dance with Camano Junction is set for 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31 at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Cost is $25; $15 for students. A free dance class begins a half-hour before the event. Snacks and a champagne or non-alcoholic toast are part of admission.

Tickets available at the door.

More info: 360-387-0222

The Snohomish Senior Center holds a 21-and-over New Year’s Eve Celebration, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Monday. The senior center is at 506 Fourth St. Live music with Jim Toivonen, and champagne toast at the New York New Year’s time of 9 p.m. Beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase. Admission is $20.

More info: 360-568-0934

HEADS UP

Clean up the Sound? There’s an app for that

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources offers “MyCoast Washington,” a mobile app that allows the public to help identify and remove marine debris.

The app allows people to photograph large marine debris, creosote-treated wood, derelict vessels, storm surge damage, king tides and changes to shorelines they see as they walk local beaches. DNR and its partners will use the information to prioritize cleanups and support long-term management plans.

With only three full-time employees spearheading cleanup work, the agency said it needs help identifying debris that is polluting local waters.

The Snohomish County Marine Resource Committee was a partner in the project.

More info: mycoast.org/wa