SPOKANE, Wash. – After earthquakes shook California, first responders from around the state arrived to work through the damage.
If a similar event were to happen in Western Washington, Spokane responders say they are prepared to help.
Both the fire and medical response teams work under the Washington Mobilization Plan. It allows responders to assist with emergencies in other cities, according to Brian Schaeffer, chief of the Spokane Fire Dept.
Crews use this plan to help other cities during wildfire season. When large fires burn throughout the state, Spokane crews are able to travel to assist other departments.
Schaeffer said that in the case of an earthquake, the plan allows at least 40 responders to travel with structural gear and technical rescue teams.
Spokane police have a similar plan.
In a city responding to an earthquake, the police chief could contact Spokane police coordinators who could then dispatch any necessary officers to that area, said Teresa Fuller, spokesperson for the Spokane Police Dept.
Fuller said Spokane staff is balanced to allow for outside emergencies, so they can help in other cities while still maintain their response within Spokane.
