The state of Washington is participating in a national training exercise aimed at coordinating local, state and federal agencies in the event of terrorism or a natural disaster. In a scenario conducted Mondayh through Fort Lewis, agencies must adapt to a chemical plant explosion near the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle that kills first responders. The National Level Exercise began last Thursday and concludes next week. Two other scenarios include a deadly tanker crash in Whatcom County and a toxic release at the Umatilla Chemical Depot in northeast Oregon. Officials with the Washington State Emergency Management Division say the state has activated its emergency operations center as part of the exercise. Participants include the National Guard, FEMA, and Homeland Security.
(AP)