Central Pierce Fire & Rescue's Water Rescue Team uses Station 71 in downtown Puyallup as one of two home bases for responding to water emergencies in and around the city. The team handles swift-water rescues, flood rescues, ice rescues, boat operations, and waterway searches — often in fast-moving, dangerous conditions.
Station 71 and Station 40 in Orting are strategically positioned near rivers and flood-prone areas, including the Puyallup River. Crews at both stations operate jet-powered boats and rafts for rapid response. The team includes 36 members total, with six to eight water rescue specialists on duty each day.
Beyond local response, the team also deploys nationally through FEMA during major disasters. Their most recent deployments were to Florida and North Carolina following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Also this week, Central Pierce reminded residents that a region-wide Lahar Evacuation Drill is scheduled for the morning of April 23. Students and staff from partnering school districts — including those in Puyallup — will walk their evacuation routes as part of the exercise.