The 2020 Sumner Grade Fire in Bonney Lake was a stark reminder of the increasing threat of brush fires in western Washington. Year after year, summer weather contributes to an increased risk of brush fires. In 2022, WPFR responded to 137 brush fires. So far this year, West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) has already […]
Prepare in a Year: July
West Pierce Fire & Rescue is dedicated to ensuring the community is prepared in the event of a disaster. During major disasters, such as an earthquake, firefighters may be delayed in their response to 9-1-1 calls and the community will need to rely on each other to assist until help arrives. Each month, WPFR is […]
Celebrate Safely on July 4
The 4th of July is around the corner and West Pierce Fire & Rescue would like to remind residents to celebrate safely, as this is the busiest day of the year for firefighters. With warm temperatures and dry vegetation, fire safety is especially important this year. Please consider the following tips to enjoy your holiday: […]
Firefighters Consider Additional Hazards During Response
On Thursday, June 29, West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) responded to a collision on southbound Interstate 5 at the Berkeley Street exit involving a semi truck and a car. Unfortunately, this incident resulted in a fatality. While it is under investigation by law enforcement, it is important to understand the risks and complexities these […]
West Pierce Fire & Rescue Hosts Youth Academy Graduation
Over the weekend, West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) hosted its annual Youth Academy program. Local high school students who live or attend school in Lakewood, University Place and Steilacoom learned about careers in the fire service through this two-day, hands-on program. WPFR’s Youth Academy empowers teens to build life skills and relationships, while introducing […]
Wildfire Prevention Safety Tips
With warm temperatures here to stay, West Pierce Fire & Rescue reminds residents to be fire safe. At this time last year, firefighters had responded to 10 brush fires in Lakewood, University Place and Steilacoom. So far in 2023, brush fire responses for WPFR have increased by more than 400% over the same time last […]
Apartment Fire in Arrowhead
At approximately 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 12, West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) responded to reports of an apartment fire at the 10800 block of 108th Avenue SW in the Arrowhead neighborhood. Crews arrived to find flames coming through the roof of the complex and were notified that an occupant was in the fire […]
West Pierce Fire & Rescue Graduates 18 New Firefighters
West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) recently celebrated its 18 newest firefighters as they graduated from the Red Knights Recruit Academy. These firefighters are a combination of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics who will being shift work soon and serve the West Pierce community. The Red Knights Recruit Academy is a 13-week program that […]
State of the Fire District Presentations Scheduled
The public is invited and encouraged to attend any of the upcoming State of the Fire District presentations, delivered by West Pierce Fire & Rescue Chief Jim Sharp. The following presentations are open to the public, where Chief Sharp shares the latest updates and happenings within your fire department: Wednesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m.University Place City […]