VRFA Blotter: 12 students rescued from elevator, train collision highlight VRFA calls

Here are 911 Calls for Service responded to by the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) from Sept. 7 – 13, 2026:

• Aid Call (Auburn): On Monday, September 7th at 9:57 p.m., VRFA firefighters responded to an adult patient experiencing facial swelling. Firefighters evaluated the patient and determined additional medical care was needed. The patient was transported by private ambulance to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center for further care.
• Aid Call (Auburn): On Tuesday, September 8th at 8:38 a.m., VRFA firefighters responded to an adult patient who sustained a head injury following an assault. Firefighters evaluated and treated the patient on scene before the patient was transported to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center for further care.
• Service Call (Algona): On Wednesday, September 9th at 10:27 a.m., VRFA firefighters responded to assist an elderly patient who had recently returned home from the hospital and was unable to navigate the stairs into the residence. Firefighters safely assisted the patient into the home and brought the patient’s wheelchair inside.
• Service Call (Auburn): On Thursday, September 10th at 4:08 p.m., VRFA firefighters responded to reports of a malfunctioning elevator with multiple occupants trapped between floors. Crews arrived to find 12 students inside the elevator. Firefighters secured the elevator and safely assisted all 12 students out through the emergency exit hatch using a ladder. No injuries were reported.
• Aid Call (Lakeland Hills): On Friday, September 11th at 12:17 p.m., VRFA firefighters responded to an adult patient found lying in the roadway near a delivery vehicle. The patient appeared confused and disoriented, and it was unclear whether the patient had fallen or was experiencing a medical emergency. Firefighters evaluated and treated the patient on scene before the patient was transported by private ambulance to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center for further care.
• Train Accident (Auburn): On Saturday, September 12th at 10:26 p.m., VRFA firefighters responded to a collision involving a vehicle and a train on the BNSF tracks. Crews arrived to find the heavily damaged vehicle still on the tracks. Both occupants had safely exited the vehicle prior to the collision and were evaluated by firefighters. No injuries were reported, and the scene was turned over to BNSF for further investigation.
• Aid Call (Pacific): On Sunday, September 13th at 8:02 p.m., VRFA firefighters responded to an adult patient who had fallen from a recliner and needed assistance getting up. Firefighters evaluated the patient and recommended additional medical care due to a second similar call that day. The patient was transported by private ambulance to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center for further care.