The Valley Regional Fire Authority responded to 314 calls for service for the week of August 16-22, 2022 (331 last week). Year to Date our Valley Professional Firefighters have responded to a total of 9,924 calls for service. This is a 5.4% increase from 2021 (9,415).

Calls for Service Breakdown:

266 (85%) were aid calls. Total aid calls in 2022 so far are 8,379 up 4.6%, compared to 2021’s (8,009).

42 (13%) were fire calls. The number of fire calls is up by 9.0%, with 2022 having 1,350 calls and 2021 having 1,238.

6 (2%) were calls categorized as other. The number of other calls in 2022 is up 16.1 % with 195 calls in 2021 only having 168. ‘Other’ calls include water rescues, water over roadways, downed lines, hazmat calls, and ladder requests.

VRFA Welcomes 14 New Members!

13 new entry level firefighter recruits started academy on August 22nd. Good luck recruits!

13 firefighters in turnout gear pose for a photo. The front line kneels with one knee up. — August 22 VRFA recruits | VRFA

VRFA also welcomed Michelle Roy as their new Records Analyst. Roy “has 25 years of experience in public service as a crime analyst and crime prevention educator working with a local police department,” states a VRFA announcement. “She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Professional Certificate of Data Analytics from the University of Washington.” Welcome Michelle!

Michelle Roy } VRFA

Class 12 Completes Year 1

An announcement Tuesday shared that the five members of VRFA Recruit Class 12 completed their first year, meaning they are off probation.

Five VRFA firefighters stand shoulder to shoulder in their dark blue uniforms, arms behind each others backs smiling. Two males flank a female on either side. — VRFA Class 12 | VRFA

“Firefighters Foppiano, Brooke, Tawfik, Peralta, and Evans have successfully completed Step 1 of JATC and have achieved Firefighter 3rd Class status,” states the VRFA announcement. “They will now move into Step 2, where they will focus on advancing their firefighting skills and knowledge and will learn about the specialized work done by the ladder truck, hazardous materials, water rescue companies, and fire investigators.” Congratulations, Class 12!

Learn CPR & First Aide from VRFA: Click Here to see the schedule

Calls for Service

Vehicle Fire with Injuries: (Auburn) On Monday, August 15th at 3:08 p.m., firefighters responded to a van on fire. Crews arrived to find a van fully involved in fire and an adult male with serious burns. As firefighters extinguished the fire, additional firefighters and paramedics treated the patient. The patient was transported to Harborview Medical Center by King County Paramedics.
Motor Vehicle Accident: (Auburn) On Tuesday, August 16 at 4:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a 1 car rollover accident. The car had rolled over and rolled down an embankment. All 5 teenage passengers had minor injuries, were evaluated by paramedics, and transported by private ambulance and A332 to Valley Medical Center and MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.
Motor Vehicle Accident: (Auburn) On Wednesday, August 17th at 7:33 p.m., firefighters with Auburn PD responded to a two-car accident at the intersection of 41st and A St SE. One patient was treated on scene for minor injuries and transported by private ambulance to MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.
Aid Call: (Lea Hill) On Thursday, August 18th at 12:08 p.m., firefighters responded to an adult male who fell approximately 50 feet from a ladder. The patient fell directly onto cement and had serious
injuries. Firefighters and paramedics from King County Medic One provided care. The patient was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. (And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I’ll jump out of a plane any day and twice on Sundays, but am happy to let someone else do the roof work. Thoughts and well-wishes for a speedy recovery!)
Elevator Rescue: (Auburn) On Friday, August 19 at 12:58 p.m. firefighters responded to the courthouse for a person stuck in the elevator. E332 crews were able to get the door open and release the occupant who was uninjured. (Do not take elevator at Justice Center. Check.)
Service Call: (Lea Hill) On Saturday, August 20 at 10:41 a.m., firefighters responded to a vehicle in the river along SE Green River Road. Arriving firefighters found the vehicle halfway into the river and determined it to be unoccupied. The Incident was turned over to Auburn Police for further investigation.
Apartment Fire: (Kent) On Sunday, August 21 at 11:08 a.m., firefighters responded to a mutual aid apartment fire in Kent. Firefighters were assigned to the roof, where they performed vertical ventilation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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VRFA Fire Investigations

No investigations this week.

The above information was provided by VRFA. Any notations included in parentheses should be considered opinion/commentary for entertainment purposes only.