One year ago, we launched our whole blood program with one goal in mind: give critically injured patients a better chance when every second counts.
Since then, more than 100 patients have received lifesaving blood before reaching the hospital. For patients like Will, that early transfusion... made all the difference.
This program relies on blood donations. Consider donating blood and help us keep this life-saving care available when it’s needed most. Find a blood drive at www.bloodworksnw.org.
One year ago, we launched our whole blood program with one goal in mind: give critically injured patients a better chance when every second counts.
Since then, more than 100 patients have received lifesaving blood before reaching the hospital. For patients like Will, that early
🚨HAPPENING NOW!
Puyallup Police Department officers are currently on scene at Bradley Lake Park with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue for a death investigation.
There is no danger to the public.
The park is temporarily closed while responders complete their ...investigation.
Media
We’re hiring a Registered Nurse for our Community Assistance, Referral, and Education Services (CARES) program.
This role focuses on triaging/assessing patients in the community to connect them to appropriate health care and resources. You’ll work closely with Paramedics, EMTs, ...Firefighters, patients, families, and community partners to support the community.
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Advanced Social Worker in Washington state
- Active RN or LASW license in Washington State
- Salary: $102,396–$124,476 per year
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision (employee and dependents)
- Retirement pension and 457 plan contributions
- Apply by: February 20th at noon
Learn more and apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cpfirewa/jobs/5220806/cares-registered-nurse?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs.
February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on keeping our hearts healthy and strong. It's also a reminder that heart emergencies can happen without warning.
Sudden cardiac arrest can affect anyone, anywhere, at home, at work, or in our community. In those moments, quick action ...matters. Early CPR and fast access to an AED can make the difference before help arrives.
This American Heart Month, we encourage our community to prioritize heart health and be prepared to act when every second counts. ❤️
Your fire district responds to an average of 128 emergency calls per day. From medical calls to house fires, we’re here 24/7 to protect lives and save property. Here’s a quick look at a few of the calls we responded to over the last two weeks:
1/19/26 at 7:18 PM
Vehicle Fire
...
Crews were dispatched to reports of a vehicle fire in the 400 block of Valley Avenue NE in the Puyallup area. Upon arrival, E71 found a car parked in a parking lot with light smoke visible from the engine compartment. The owners stated they had poured water on the vehicle before crews arrived. Firefighters investigated the engine compartment and disconnected the battery, which caused the smoke to subside. The owners were instructed not to drive the vehicle and to have it towed for service.
Response: 2 units total, including 1 fire suppression unit, and 1 command/support unit.
1/20/26 at 12:59 PM
Commercial Vehicle Fire
Crews were dispatched to reports of a commercial vehicle fire at 123rd St E and Canyon Rd in the Puyallup area. Upon arrival, E68 found a logging truck with smoke visible from the third-row wheels. Crews learned the driver had used a dry chemical extinguisher to put the fire out prior to their arrival. To ensure full extinguishment, firefighters applied water to the brakes to cool them.
Response: One fire suppression unit.
1/22/26 at 10:26 PM
Vehicle Fire
Crews were dispatched to reports of a vehicle fire at Wildwood Park Dr and 24th Ave SE in the Puyallup area. E72 arrived on scene to find a vehicle off the roadway and into a tree, with smoke visible from the engine compartment. Crews stretched hose lines for fire suppression and investigated for injuries. The vehicle was electric, so firefighters applied foam to cool and fully extinguish the fire. E72 remained on scene until a tow company arrived, which is standard practice for electric vehicles as a precaution in case the fire reignites. Crews later learned the driver’s father had initially extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher. No injuries were reported.
Response: One fire suppression unit.
1/27/26 at 10:59 AM
Garage Fire
Crews were dispatched to reports of a garage fire in the 19400 block of Aurora Drive E in the Spanaway area. Upon arrival, E60 found a working fire in the garage of a single-family residence. Crews quickly began fire suppression efforts. The fire was brought under control, and primary and secondary searches were completed with nothing found. The homeowner stated he was using a blowtorch and accidentally ignited nearby vegetation. No injuries were reported, and the Pierce County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.
Response: 13 units total, including 6 fire suppression units, 3 EMS units, and 4 command/support units.
1/27/26 at 2:51 PM
Illegal Burning
Crews were dispatched to reports of an outdoor fire in the 3600 block of 138th St E in the Parkland area. Upon arrival, E68 found a 10x10 land-clearing pile producing heavy smoke. Firefighters contacted the homeowner and provided education on illegal burning. A hose line was deployed to extinguish the fire. This serves as a reminder that land-clearing burning is illegal, and only the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has the authority to approve land-clearing fires.
Response: One fire suppression unit.
Today we recognize the retirement of Lead Mechanic Brian Fortner, whose career reflects decades of dedication to the fire service.
Brian began his journey in 1982 as a volunteer firefighter in University Place, balancing service with full-time work in the transmission industry. He later ...promoted to Lieutenant, deployed to wildland fires including the Rat Creek Complex, and in 1995 accepted a part-time mechanic role with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, blending his mechanical skills with public service.
Brian went on to serve with Lakewood Fire Department, University Place Fire Department, and later Graham Fire & Rescue, where he helped build a strong fleet program alongside an incredible team. In 2025, his career came full circle as Graham Fire & Rescue entered into a contract for services, and ultimately merged, with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.
Throughout his career, Brian worked behind the scenes to ensure firefighters had safe, reliable apparatus when the community needed them most. His knowledge, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting impact.
Brian, thank you for your years of service and the legacy you leave behind. We wish you all the best in a well-earned retirement.
Strong training leads to strong response. That’s why we continue to invest in hands-on training opportunities for our firefighters.
Our new mobile training prop is designed to bring hands-on, realistic training directly to our stations, while keeping crews and apparatus in service. It ...supports core firefighting skills like forcible entry, hose deployments, hydrant operations, and rescues.
This month, we recognize Firefighter Cancer Awareness and the increased cancer risks that come with the job. Firefighters are exposed to toxic substances on the fireground and back at the station, making exposure reduction a critical priority.
To help protect our crews, our fire district ...has taken these steps:
🔸 Implemented bunker gear designed to reduce PFAS exposure
🔸 Issued two sets of bunker gear so contaminated gear can be removed from service
🔸 Provide in-depth public safety physicals for early detection
🔸 Installed commercial extractors at every station to properly clean gear
🔸 Added diesel exhaust removal systems in apparatus bays
🔸 Reinforced post-fire decontamination, including showering with SOOTSOAP to help remove toxins from the skin
Cancer prevention takes awareness, culture, and action. We remain committed to protecting the health of our firefighters now and in the years ahead.
Our crews had the chance to meet some four-legged members of our community this weekend after responding to a minor electrical-related call at the Washington Horsemen, Tacoma Unit #1 arena.
It’s NFC Championship game day. Go Seahawks!
Enjoy the game, celebrate responsibly, and make a plan to get home. Don’t make us be your ride tonight.
It’s NFC Championship game day. Go Seahawks!
Enjoy the game, celebrate responsibly, and make a plan to get home. Don’t make us be your ride tonight.
If 2026 is the new 2016, these photos felt right.
Different year, same commitment to serving our community.
As Central Pierce Fire & Rescue moves into its next chapter, the Board of Fire Commissioners has expanded to reflect the newly merged fire district. The board now includes 14 commissioners, representing each of the three legacy fire districts, and will naturally transition to a five-member ...board over time as election terms conclude.
The Board of Fire Commissioners provides governance and financial oversight for the fire district. This includes setting policy, approving the budget, and ensuring accountability so the organization can effectively serve the community.
We’re also pleased to welcome Commissioner John Caverly, who was recently elected to the board. Commissioner Caverly brings nearly 30 years of experience as an EMT, along with service as an EMS Instructor, Emergency Management Supervisor, and Associate Emergency Manager. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration.
We appreciate the service of our commissioners and their continued commitment to guiding the fire district with care and accountability so our firefighters can continue delivering reliable, high-quality service to the communities we serve.
We appreciate The News Tribune for helping shine a light on an important issue facing the fire service. Firefighters are regularly exposed to harmful toxins on the job, and the long-term health impacts are real.
As Health & Wellness Division Chief Jeff Campbell shared in the article, ...protecting our members starts with recognizing these risks and taking meaningful steps to reduce exposure whenever possible. At Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, we remain committed to investing in training, equipment, and practices that help keep our firefighters safe, today and for the years ahead.
Though firefighters brave blazes, rescues and other daily dangers, their leading cause of death is far less obvious: cancer
tinyurl.com
This month, we recognize Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and the increased cancer risks that come with the job. Firefighters are exposed to toxic substances on the fireground and back at the station, making exposure reduction a critical priority.
To help protect our crews,