VIDEO: Everson’s first responders say they are increasingly concerned that the next major flood on the Nooksack River could cut them off from the community they serve. Station 81 in Whatcom County sits in a floodplain, and firefighters say the situation has become unsustainable after two historic floods in the past five years. “I had driftwood on the floors in the front of the station,” Assistant Chief Brian Atkins said, recalling last December’s flooding, when the Nooksack River surged to the station’s front door.
The firehouse was built nearly 50 years ago, when floods were far less frequent and severe. Now, as crews prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, they say they are still dealing with the impacts of recent flooding. “You’re also kind of looking over your shoulder, I guess,” Atkins said. Officials said the station came close to shutting down during December’s flooding.
“We were at the limit. Much beyond where we were, and we would have had to evacuate our entire operation,” Atkins said. “I had driftwood on the floors in the front of the station.” County officials have proposed building a new fire station outside the floodplain at a cost of about $15 million, but voters rejected the measure two years ago.
KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle
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