Donated trailers ready for firefighters forced into quarantine

There are six brand new trailers parked at the new headquarters for Central Pierce Fire and Rescue on Puyallup's south hill. They're ready for a job the department hopes they'll never be needed for, isolating firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Our administration reached out to Tacoma RV and they were gracious enough to donate six of these beautiful brand new 2020 RV’s for our firefighters, just in case they’re needed,” said Central Pierce Fire Capt. Darrin Shaw.

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There are amenities inside each trailer including a television, bottled water, and snacks. Shaw says the isolation trailers are part of a response to the dangers of the coronavirus the department saw coming weeks ago.

“So early on our firefighters have been wearing masks, goggles, and gowns to every call,” said Shaw.

The department offered to buy trailers the day before the business locked its doors because of the statewide shutdown. Instead the owner donated them. KIRO 7 News tried to contact Tacoma RV Center but their offices are still closed.

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First responders are at high risk. The Tacoma Fire department was forced to put two shifts of crew members from engine house seven into quarantine after a firefighter there tested positive for the virus.

So far Central Pierce hasn't needed to take that step.

“Thankfully we haven’t had anybody test positive for the COVID-19 virus said Shaw. “But if they do it’s going to keep their families safe by providing them a nice comfortable RV to be in.”

Shaw says Tacoma RV Center has told the department they can keep the trailers as long as they are needed.

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