Public Safety

WASHINGTON (AP) — Airlines are being warned by the government that terrorists are considering surgically hiding bombs inside humans to evade airport security. And as a result, travelers may find themselves subjected to more scrutiny when flying in the heart of summer vacation season, especially to the U.S. from abroad.

Bombs-in-the body is not a brand new idea, but recent intelligence indicates a fresh interest in using this method, as people-scanning machines in airports aren't able to detect explosives hidden inside humans. Still, there is no current information that points to a specific plot involving surgically implanted explosives, a U.S. security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss such sensitive matters.

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — Fire crews continue reinforcing fire lines and implementing structure protection plans for the west side of Los Alamos. The Las Conchas Fire has burned nearly 131,000 acres and is 30 percent contained.

The Forest Service says hot, dry weather Tuesday resulted in extreme fire behavior. Large plumes of smoke were visible from the communities of Santa Clara, Chicoma Mountain, Los Alamos, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and surrounding areas.

Fire officials say the communities were not threatened as the smoke and flames remained within the fire perimeter.

Pilots also reported 300 to 500 foot flames moving up the Polvadera Peak.

Following reopening of the townsite at 8 a.m.this morning Los Alamos County officials announced the following safety and recovery measures.

Returning Residents Asked to Stay Home.  As the repopulation of the townsite continues throughout the day, residents who have arrived back at their homes are asked to avoid driving for 4-8 hours.  This minimizes overall traffic on main and side streets, to improve safety and efficient traffic flows for those just returning. Residents are also reminded to refrain from leaving valuables out in their driveway unattended to prevent thefts.

Parked just outside the evacuee shelter at the Cities of Gold Casino is a tractor trailer with two large satellite dishes on top. This vehicle, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is serving as a remote “spike” station for Incident Commander Joe Reinarz’ Type I Incident Management Team,

“FEMA has made it possible for us to operate beyond perfect,” said Information Officer Joe Helmich.
“A spike is designed to take care of significant issues that are not necessarily treatable at the incident command location,” Helmich said. The incident command location is at Jemez Springs. “All of their operations can be duplicated at a remote location such as this.”