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San Bruno's Mayor Testifies In D.C. On Explosion

Washington lawmakers have their sights set on pipeline safety in the aftermath of the San Bruno explosion and fire, but in San Bruno officials and the city's residents are only worried about putting the pieces of their lives back together.

KCBS Melissa Culross Reporting:

"While this became an international news story about pipeline safety, for us it was always about getting our home town of San Bruno back on its feet," said San Bruno Mayor Jim Ruane.

Ruane testified in Washington before a Senate Committee on pipeline safety this week and told lawmakers that no one in San Bruno will forget what was lost when the gas pipeline exploded on September 9th.

"The most devastating outcome of the explosion and fire was the loss of eight lives," said Ruane. "There were other awful consequences as well. Sixty-six persons were reported burned or injured, including four firefighters who suffered smoke inhalation."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency turned down California's request for money to help San Bruno, and Ruane is using his time in Washington to appeal that decision.

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