Area Fire Departments Hold Water Rescue Training in Cedar River

Expect a heavy emergency services presence over the next few days along the banks of the Cedar River near the Renton Community Center. Between 80 and 100 first responders will practice their swift water rescue abilities this week as part of a multi-agency training.

Firefighters from Renton Fire and Emergency Services, South King County Fire and Rescue, Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety, Kent Fire Department, Valley Regional Fire Authority, and the Burien Fire Department participated in Monday's session, and caught the attention of passers-by and fueled about a dozen questions from onlookers.

 Tukwila, North Highline Fire and SeaTac Fire Departments will also participate in the training, which will run through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 The departments train together four times a year for water, trench, rope and confined spaces rescue training.

No one department has enough people or equipment to put together a water training, said Water Rescue Team Instructor Jake Lazenby of Renton Fire and Emergency Services.

The same applies to all the other multi-agency trainings, which take place throughout the year.

"It's an opportunity for all of us to work together and assess everyone's  experience levels," Lazenby said.