Implemented Changes to Non-Emergent EPFR Services
- All CPR and First Aid classes, stations tours and public meetings have been canceled through the end of June. That date may be extended in the future.
- Blood pressure checks, bike helmet and life jacket fittings, and burn permits are discontinued at our fire stations. Burn permits can be obtained by calling 253-447-3522.
- Home smoke alarm installation visits are suspended.
- 2020 Safe Sitter classes are canceled.
- Board of Fire Commissioner meetings will be held via webinar.
Up-To-Date COVID-19 Information
Letter From Fire Chief Bud Backer
March 19, 2020
To those that we serve,
As you are no doubt aware, our world is changing. East Pierce Fire & Rescue, like many other organizations, has updated business practices to ensure your safety and the safety of our firefighters and employees.
Among those changes, we have stopped sharing meeting rooms for public use, canceled public classes (such as CPR/First Aid), and stopped selling bike helmets and life jackets. Our fire stations in Edgewood, Sumner, Prairie Ridge, Lake Tapps and the Foothills area are closed to the public - except for emergency assistance.
If you have business to conduct, we ask that you call us at (253) 863-1800 before driving to our Headquarters Station/Business Office in Bonney Lake. Questions can also be emailed to info@eastpiercefire.org. Most business can be facilitated via phone or email.
We, like many other fire/rescue/EMS agencies, will be stretched thin and may have difficulties obtaining supplies. However, if you see us on an incident, responders may be wearing additional protective clothing. We have increased the types of medical responses that require full protective clothing. This not only protects the patient, but our firefighters as well. By limiting the risk of exposure to our firefighters, we can maintain our ability to respond to your needs and avoid the potential quarantine of our firefighters. In addition, we purchased electrostatic misting devices to decontaminate our medic units. This will allow medic units to be placed back in service quicker as this method of cleaning is faster and more thorough.
We are diligently working on contingency plans to maintain service levels but are hopeful those measures won’t be necessary. The Board of Fire Commissioners has also declared an emergency, which allows the District to make purchases and take actions to maintain service without having to follow normal regulatory requirements.
Below are a few links to reliable information sources. I’ve seen many things on social media that are far from accurate, some obviously intended to spread disinformation and conspiracy theories. Recommendations (and requirements) will continue to change if or when necessary, which makes accurate information a must for all of us.
Reliable information sources:
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Washington State Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
We will return to normal operations when it is deemed safe to do so. Until then, please do what you can to reduce exposure risks. Limit your interaction with others and wash your hands often.
Thank you,
Bud Backer
Fire Chief