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AI used to design never-before-seen viruses, sparking new fears
AI used to design never-before-seen viruses, sparking new fears
AI used to design never-before-seen viruses, sparking new fears

Published on: 08/07/2026

This news was posted by Oregon Today News

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Microbiological testing: This Getty Images file photo shows a scientist counting the colony of microbial in the plate.

Artificial intelligence is being used to design new viruses, sparking safety fears.

News Source : https://www.oregonlive.com/nation/2026/08/ai-used-to-design-brand-new-viruses-sparking-new-fears.html

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MAYOR'S MESSAGE Coos Bay Fire & Rescue Wildfire Update Coos Bay Fire & Rescue currently has six personnel deployed to major wildland fires burning across Oregon, where they are supporting statewide firefighting efforts while continuing to provide full emergency services here at home. Two members are assigned to a Conflagration Task Force. A conflagration is a declaration by the Oregon State Fire Marshal that allows local fire departments from across the state to work together to protect lives and property when wildfires threaten communities. Our regional task force is made up of personnel from Coos Bay Fire & Rescue, Central Coos Fire & Rescue, Gold Beach Fire Department, Brookings Fire Department, and Western Lane Fire & EMS (Florence). Coos Bay's assignment includes one of our Type 6 wildland fire engines. These smaller, highly maneuverable fire engines are designed to access difficult terrain while carrying water and a pump for initial attack and structure protection. Our firefighters have primarily been performing structure protection, home hardening, and defensible space operations to help reduce the threat of wildfire spreading into neighborhoods. The Type 6 engine was initially deployed to the East Evans Fire, was later reassigned to the Shingle Fire, and is now working on the Rowe Complex as fire activity continues to evolve across the state. An additional four Coos Bay firefighters have been deployed since July 11 as a Type 1 Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) team at the East Evans Fire near Medford. REMS teams provide one of the most specialized assignments on a wildfire incident. Their mission is to rapidly locate, access, medically treat, and safely remove injured or ill firefighters from the fireline so they can be transported for medical care at a hospital. Their work directly supports firefighter safety during some of the most demanding conditions on the fireground. This deployment has also been a great example of regional cooperation. Western Lane Fire & EMS has provided qualified personnel to supplement our REMS team, allowing Coos Bay Fire & Rescue to continue supporting statewide wildfire operations while maintaining this highly specialized capability. We are proud of the professionalism and dedication our firefighters continue to demonstrate across Oregon, and we appreciate the support of their families and our community while they are away serving others. Residents may notice smoky conditions across the Bay Area this week as winds carry smoke from fires burning in other parts of Oregon. This is common during wildfire season and does not indicate there are active wildfires in the Coos Bay area. Individuals with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions may experience increased symptoms. If smoke becomes noticeable, limiting time outdoors and keeping windows closed can help reduce exposure. This is also a good reminder about outdoor burning. The City of Coos Bay has not implemented a burn ban, although residents are always responsible for any fire they start. Burning should be done safely by using an approved burn barrel with a heavy-gauge screen or by maintaining small open debris piles while attended with a readily available water supply and hand tools. Burn only natural materials such as clean wood, paper, cardboard, and dry vegetation. Dry materials produce less smoke and burn more efficiently than green vegetation. Residents living outside the city limits of Coos Bay or North Bend should be aware that outdoor burning is restricted. Current regulations can be obtained from the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) by calling 541-267-3161 or visiting www.cfpa.net. Although our coastal climate and frequent marine air generally reduce wildfire danger compared to much of the state, conditions remain very dry. It only takes one escaped debris burn, equipment spark, or unattended fire to start a wildfire. We encourage everyone to use extra caution and help keep our community safe throughout the remainder of the fire season. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post
MAYOR'S MESSAGE Coos Bay Fire & Rescue Wildfire Update Coos Bay Fire & Rescue currently has six personnel deployed to major wildland fires burning across Oregon, where they are supporting statewide firefighting efforts while continuing to provide full emergency services here at home. Two members are assigned to a Conflagration Task Force. A conflagration is a declaration by the Oregon State Fire Marshal that allows local fire departments from across the state to work together to protect lives and property when wildfires threaten communities. Our regional task force is made up of personnel from Coos Bay Fire & Rescue, Central Coos Fire & Rescue, Gold Beach Fire Department, Brookings Fire Department, and Western Lane Fire & EMS (Florence). Coos Bay's assignment includes one of our Type 6 wildland fire engines. These smaller, highly maneuverable fire engines are designed to access difficult terrain while carrying water and a pump for initial attack and structure protection. Our firefighters have primarily been performing structure protection, home hardening, and defensible space operations to help reduce the threat of wildfire spreading into neighborhoods. The Type 6 engine was initially deployed to the East Evans Fire, was later reassigned to the Shingle Fire, and is now working on the Rowe Complex as fire activity continues to evolve across the state. An additional four Coos Bay firefighters have been deployed since July 11 as a Type 1 Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) team at the East Evans Fire near Medford. REMS teams provide one of the most specialized assignments on a wildfire incident. Their mission is to rapidly locate, access, medically treat, and safely remove injured or ill firefighters from the fireline so they can be transported for medical care at a hospital. Their work directly supports firefighter safety during some of the most demanding conditions on the fireground. This deployment has also been a great example of regional cooperation. Western Lane Fire & EMS has provided qualified personnel to supplement our REMS team, allowing Coos Bay Fire & Rescue to continue supporting statewide wildfire operations while maintaining this highly specialized capability. We are proud of the professionalism and dedication our firefighters continue to demonstrate across Oregon, and we appreciate the support of their families and our community while they are away serving others. Residents may notice smoky conditions across the Bay Area this week as winds carry smoke from fires burning in other parts of Oregon. This is common during wildfire season and does not indicate there are active wildfires in the Coos Bay area. Individuals with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions may experience increased symptoms. If smoke becomes noticeable, limiting time outdoors and keeping windows closed can help reduce exposure. This is also a good reminder about outdoor burning. The City of Coos Bay has not implemented a burn ban, although residents are always responsible for any fire they start. Burning should be done safely by using an approved burn barrel with a heavy-gauge screen or by maintaining small open debris piles while attended with a readily available water supply and hand tools. Burn only natural materials such as clean wood, paper, cardboard, and dry vegetation. Dry materials produce less smoke and burn more efficiently than green vegetation. Residents living outside the city limits of Coos Bay or North Bend should be aware that outdoor burning is restricted. Current regulations can be obtained from the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) by calling 541-267-3161 or visiting www.cfpa.net. Although our coastal climate and frequent marine air generally reduce wildfire danger compared to much of the state, conditions remain very dry. It only takes one escaped debris burn, equipment spark, or unattended fire to start a wildfire. We encourage everyone to use extra caution and help keep our community safe throughout the remainder of the fire season. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post
MAYOR'S MESSAGE Coos Bay Fire & Rescue Wildfire Update Coos Bay Fire & Rescue currently has six personnel deployed to major wildland fires burning across Oregon, where they are supporting statewide firefighting efforts while continuing to provide full emergency services here at home. Two members are assigned to a Conflagration Task Force. A conflagration is a declaration by the Oregon State Fire Marshal that allows local fire departments from across the state to work together to protect lives and property when wildfires threaten communities. Our regional task force is made up of personnel from Coos Bay Fire & Rescue, Central Coos Fire & Rescue, Gold Beach Fire Department, Brookings Fire Department, and Western Lane Fire & EMS (Florence). Coos Bay's assignment includes one of our Type 6 wildland fire engines. These smaller, highly maneuverable fire engines are designed to access difficult terrain while carrying water and a pump for initial attack and structure protection. Our firefighters have primarily been performing structure protection, home hardening, and defensible space operations to help reduce the threat of wildfire spreading into neighborhoods. The Type 6 engine was initially deployed to the East Evans Fire, was later reassigned to the Shingle Fire, and is now working on the Rowe Complex as fire activity continues to evolve across the state. An additional four Coos Bay firefighters have been deployed since July 11 as a Type 1 Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) team at the East Evans Fire near Medford. REMS teams provide one of the most specialized assignments on a wildfire incident. Their mission is to rapidly locate, access, medically treat, and safely remove injured or ill firefighters from the fireline so they can be transported for medical care at a hospital. Their work directly supports firefighter safety during some of the most demanding conditions on the fireground. This deployment has also been a great example of regional cooperation. Western Lane Fire & EMS has provided qualified personnel to supplement our REMS team, allowing Coos Bay Fire & Rescue to continue supporting statewide wildfire operations while maintaining this highly specialized capability. We are proud of the professionalism and dedication our firefighters continue to demonstrate across Oregon, and we appreciate the support of their families and our community while they are away serving others. Residents may notice smoky conditions across the Bay Area this week as winds carry smoke from fires burning in other parts of Oregon. This is common during wildfire season and does not indicate there are active wildfires in the Coos Bay area. Individuals with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions may experience increased symptoms. If smoke becomes noticeable, limiting time outdoors and keeping windows closed can help reduce exposure. This is also a good reminder about outdoor burning. The City of Coos Bay has not implemented a burn ban, although residents are always responsible for any fire they start. Burning should be done safely by using an approved burn barrel with a heavy-gauge screen or by maintaining small open debris piles while attended with a readily available water supply and hand tools. Burn only natural materials such as clean wood, paper, cardboard, and dry vegetation. Dry materials produce less smoke and burn more efficiently than green vegetation. Residents living outside the city limits of Coos Bay or North Bend should be aware that outdoor burning is restricted. Current regulations can be obtained from the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) by calling 541-267-3161 or visiting www.cfpa.net. Although our coastal climate and frequent marine air generally reduce wildfire danger compared to much of the state, conditions remain very dry. It only takes one escaped debris burn, equipment spark, or unattended fire to start a wildfire. We encourage everyone to use extra caution and help keep our community safe throughout the remainder of the fire season. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post

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