Key Points
- Unique Rescue Operation: Firefighting crews from the Valley Regional Fire Authority and Moses Lake Firefighters engaged in an unconventional rescue mission, saving approximately 19 to 20 koi fish from a backyard pond in Spokane, Washington.
- Wildfire Devastation: The rescue took place in the Indian Trails neighborhood at the grandparents’ home of two sisters, Alyssa Wicks and her sibling, which was completely torched by the destructive Old Trails fire.
- Ash and Debris Challenge: The koi pond sat only feet away from the destroyed residence and was heavily contaminated with ash, soot, and structural debris.
- Collaborative Effort: While assigned to routine hotspot patrol, the firefighters noticed the sisters struggling with pool nets, prompting members to remove their boots, step into the ash-filled water, and help drain the pond using a kiddie pool.
- Successful Outcome: After roughly an hour of coordinated work, the weak but surviving koi fish were successfully transferred into a cooler to be taken to a safe location.
- Official Statement: Valley Regional Fire Authority Battalion Chief Jordan Gustafson highlighted the diverse responsibilities of first responders, describing firefighters as acting like a “human Swiss Army knife” during disasters.
Spokane (Evening Washington News) August 15, 2026 — A group of Spokane firefighters found themselves part of a unique rescue mission last week: going fishing for two dozen koi in a wildfire victim’s pond.
Why were firefighters patrolling the Indian Trails neighborhood?
As reported by Brooke Griffin of KIRO 7 News, emergency crews from the Valley Regional Fire Authority and Moses Lake Firefighters were deployed on hotspot patrol in the Indian Trails neighborhood of Spokane County when they stumbled upon an unexpected scene. As documented by the Valley Professional Fire Fighters Local 1352, engine crews had arrived to assist with the destructive Old Trails fire, immediately confronting the stark, heartbreaking devastation left behind in residential sectors.
While monitoring the area for residual heat and flare-ups, the personnel noticed two sisters, Alyssa Wicks and her sibling, standing in a residential backyard equipped with standard pool nets. Intrigued and willing to lend a hand, the firefighters walked over to investigate whether the residents required assistance.
What happened to the family’s property during the Old Trails fire?
As reported by Brooke Griffin of KIRO 7 News, Alyssa Wicks and her sister explained to the responding crew that the burned property belonged to their grandparents, whose house and backyard were completely incinerated by the raging flames. Situated just feet away from the skeleton of the torched structure was an ornamental koi pond, which had been severely impacted by the disaster. The water feature was entirely choked with thick ash, soot, and heavy debris blown in from the fast-moving Old Trails fire.
Highlighting the deep emotional attachment the family had to the aquatic pets, Alyssa Wicks stated to KIRO 7 News reporter Brooke Griffin that:
“She really cared for them; they were like her pets. On hot days, she would even put ice chunks in the pond to cool them down.”
Recognizing the sentimental value of the fish and noting that there were no active hotspots requiring immediate attention at that exact moment, the firefighters decided they were fully up for an unexpected rescue challenge.
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How did the firefighters execute the koi rescue mission?
As detailed by KIRO 7 News, the rescue operation required a considerable degree of creativity, physical endurance, and patience. Several members of the firefighting crew unlaced and took off their boots, stepping directly into the contaminated, ash-ridden pond water to help coordinate the drainage and corner the elusive fish.
To safely lower the water level, the team utilized a small kiddie pool brought by the sisters, using it to manually scoop water out of the primary pond. According to updates shared by the Valley Professional Fire Fighters Local 1352, the joint operation between the Valley units and Moses Lake personnel turned standard emergency responders into dedicated aquatic animal handlers. After approximately one hour of careful wrangling, the combined team successfully scooped up roughly 19 to 20 surviving koi. Though visibly weakened by the thick ash and trauma of the surrounding fire, the fish were safely transferred into an Igloo cooler to be transported to a secure, temporary home.
What broader role do firefighters play during natural disasters?
Reflecting on the unusual call to duty, Valley Regional Fire Authority Battalion Chief Jordan Gustafson emphasized that assisting citizens in unconventional ways is all part of a standard working day for modern emergency personnel. As reported by KIRO 7 News, Battalion Chief Jordan Gustafson stated that:
“We are getting koi fish out of ponds, helping evacuate people’s families if they need it, just helping people whatever they need, being a human Swiss Army knife.”
Chief Gustafson further noted that during fast-moving natural disasters driven by high temperatures and strong winds, such as the destructive wildfires threatening thousands of structures across Washington state, firefighting units are frequently stretched across a wide array of humanitarian and rescue duties. Local union representatives echoed these sentiments, noting that members deployed throughout the region consistently answer the call wherever they are needed, bringing vital training and compassion to communities grappling with sudden catastrophe. Ultimately, the successful rescue of the family’s beloved koi served as a bright spot of hope amidst widespread regional devastation.
