Central Pierce Fire & Rescue's Water Rescue Team is stationed partly in downtown Puyallup at Station 71, positioning crews near the Puyallup River and surrounding flood zones. The team also operates out of Station 40 in Orting. Together, the two stations provide rapid response to water emergencies across the region.
The 36-member team has six to eight water rescue specialists on duty each day. Crews cross-staff jet-powered boats and rafts, allowing them to respond quickly to swiftwater incidents, flood rescues, boat operations, ice rescues, and waterway searches. The Puyallup River, which runs through the city and is regularly monitored for flood risk, falls within the team's response area.
Beyond local calls, Water Rescue Team members deploy nationally through FEMA during major disasters. Their most recent deployments took them 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 faculty from partnering school districts will walk their evacuation routes in Puyallup, Sumner, Orting, and other East Pierce County communities.