Declarations

Harpers Ferry Fire

“I am totally grief-stricken for our community and for the shop and property owners affected by this terrible tragedy. I am, however, thankful that no one was injured.”

—Harpers Ferry, W. Va., Mayor Gregory Vaughn after a July 23 fire devastated a historic commercial building built in the 1800s. At least a half dozen businesses were taken out by the blaze. The cause is under investigation.

Fire Bag Ban

“There is something inherently wrong in lighting a candle and setting it airborne and not having any control over where it will come down.”

—Bill Moody, chief fire inspector for Lincoln, Neb., comments on a proposal before the city council that would ban flying lanterns – or what Public Safety Director Tom Casady calls “flying bags of fire.”

Pollution Settlement

“While the settlement will provide relief and help make the tribe’s home healthier and safer, no amount of money can pay for the sickness caused by a half-century of pollution from the coal plant.”

—U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., applauded a $4.3 million settlement agreement with the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians and owners of a coal-fired power plant outside Las Vegas, Nev., who also have agreed to clean up contamination that neighboring Native Americans blame for health problems and water pollution.

Dangerous Trenches

“For more than 2,500 years, man has known how to prevent deadly trench collapses. It is absolutely unacceptable that employers continue to endanger the lives of workers in trenches.”

—Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels speaks to the failure of Hassell Construction Co. Inc. to protect an employee from a trench collapse at an excavation site in Richmond, Texas. OSHA cited Hassell Construction for 16 safety violations and assessed penalties totaling $423,900. The employee survived but sustained serious injuries.

FEMA Denial

“I am disgusted and outraged.”

—Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on FEMA decision to deny Maryland federal aid to help cover the cost of Baltimore riots in April. A declaration would have allowed Baltimore to recover millions of dollars in riot-related costs.