The following information was provided by King County Fire District No. 44 public information officer Tim Perciful and covers July 3 through July 9. This district serves sections of unincorporated southeast King County including areas of Auburn, Kent, Enumclaw and the city of Black Diamond.
Total Calls for the week:
Fire: 4
Rupture/Explosion: 0
EMS/Rescue: 26
Hazardous conditions: 0
Service Call: 1
Good Intent: 1
False Call: 2
Severe Weather: 0
Other: 1
Total Calls: 35
Incident Of The Week:
Date: 7/3
Time of Call: 15:07
Location: Flaming Geyser State Park
Tim's Narrative:
KCFD 44 and KCSO were dispatched to a raft that was flipped over in the river. The initial report was that a ten year old was caught in the bushes and was chest high in water but they were wearing a life jacket and they were above water. The person that called 9-1-1 had a concern for the boy getting hypothermia and the other nine people that were part of the group.
The first responders had to locate the group and set up a search area that included the park and access points down river. Multiple crews were staged at take out points, and on trails, for the entire area.
Crews included Chief 92, Chief 91, Battalion 91, Rescue 97, Engine 92, KC Medics, several officers from KC Sheriff's Office, and WA State Parks
Once crews found the group of 10 people we quickly learned that everyone was ok and did not need to go to the hospital.
We learned that ten people went on the Green River in three inflatable rafts that are not designed for river rafting. The group was in the water less than five minutes when they flipped a raft and fell into the water. The raft quickly got caught up in a downed tree that was in the river. Everyone was able to get to shore but were cold because of the water temperature.
The ten people were on three rafts but only two of them had life jackets. Luckily everyone was able to escape uninjured.
Safety Message:
Always were a lifejacket anytime you go near a river. Be sure to have proper equipment for the conditions of the river which should include a life jacket, proper boats, paddles, wet suit/dry suit, etc. Let people know where you are going, and when you should be back home. Do a little research about the river condition, hazards, and route you will be taking.
Additional Info:
Social Media Updates:
- www.facebook.com/kcfd44
- Twitter: KCFD44PIO
- Twitter: MtnViewBDFire
Department News:
KCFD #44 will have a burn ban from July 1, 2012 until September 3, 2012 for residents with current burn permits. For more information please visit www.kcfd44.org or call our 24 hour burn ban line at 253-735-0286
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced there will be a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012. This means all forestlands in Washington under DNR fire protection; the burn ban does not apply to federal lands. Visit www.dnr.wa.gov for more information.
KCFD #44 Open House: We will have an open house at Station 96 on August 11, 2012 from Noon to 3:00pm. We are working on the details and hope to have flyers soon.
Upcoming Events:
7/12: Car Seat Inspections at Auburn Regional Hospital from 1:00pm till 2:30pm
7/19: Camp Berachah Demonstration
7/21: Concert at White River Amphitheater
7/30: Concert at White River Amphitheater
8/11: KCFD 44, Station 96 Open House (Tentative)
