West Pierce Fire & Rescue protects approximately 31 square miles, proudly serving the citizens of Lakewood and University Place. It is a fire district funded separately from the cities. West Pierce Fire & Rescue was formed in 2011 following a merge of the University Place and Lakewood Fire Departments. Numerous services are provided to the community including fire suppression, emergency medicine and transport, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, emergency management, disaster preparedness, fire code inspections, investigations, as well as fire and life safety education.