Washington Flooding Displaces IAFF Members

Interstate I-5 outside Chelalis, Washington. This major U.S. highway runs from Canada to Mexico. In some places, the freeway was under 5 feet of water.

December 3, 2007 -- The IAFF is reaching out to Washington state affiliates impacted by the flooding wreaking havoc on the state this week. Six IAFF members are currently displaced because of significant damage to their property, and that number is expected to rise.

“There are widespread power outages, and many roads are impassable, so we are currently focusing on establishing communication,” says IAFF 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh. “As we identify members in need, our next priority will be to get IAFF Disaster Relief Fund applications to them.”

A storm sent sheets of rain to southwestern Washington December 3, killing at least six people and causing significant flooding. Damages could be as high as $1 billion.

Of note, a 20-mile stretch of I-5 around Centralia, Washington, is closed, and it is unclear when it will re-open. The interstate – which is under 5 feet of water in some places – carries approximately 54,000 vehicles per day through the now-closed area. In addition, as many as 20 other highways remain closed.

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire is expecting a presidential emergency declaration to speed up delivery of food, medicine and other supplies.