Crime

Fake female firefighters seek access to East Pierce homes

East Pierce residents are warned to be on the lookout for women pretending to be firefighters and offering free home safety inspections.

The apparent scam came to light this week, and East Pierce Fire & Rescue Chief Bud Backer sent a memo to all department employees asking them to spread the word.

The impersonators are women wearing shirts that look like generic fire department shirts as they walk through residential neighborhoods.

“Our firefighters would be wearing an EPFR uniform and be able to show you proper identification,” Backer said.

Authorities believe the women might be impersonating firefighters to case houses or steal items.

Anyone who sees them is asked to call 911.

Stacia Glenn: 253-597-8653

This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Fake female firefighters seek access to East Pierce homes."

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