Chief Jerry Debruin

Whatcom County Fire District 14 has received a donated flood-control dam from Aqua Dam Inc., providing a major new layer of protection for the Sumas Fire Station. The water-filled barrier system can be deployed around the station in about 7 hours and is engineered to protect against up to 54 inches of floodwater.

The December 2025 flood was the fourth time floodwater from the Nooksack River has entered Sumas in the last 5 years, and the third time floodwater damaged the station since it was built in the early 1980s. “This donation allows us to protect the station and keep our units responding when the people we serve need us most,” said Chief Jerry DeBruin. While the station will still be inaccessible during a flood event, it will be operational as soon as the water recedes.

The donated system is a reusable, water filled, 6-foot diameter barrier, 420 feet long, which can be deployed around the fire station to keep floodwater out. Valued at $44,665, it will help the district mitigate the impacts of recurring floods from the Nooksack River, without requiring permanent construction.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from the community, and from Aqua Dam,” said Chief Jerry DeBruin. “While it’d be nice to think that there won’t be another flood, recent history says otherwise, so this donation will help us immensely for the next flood.”

Aqua Dam Inc is located in Scotia, CA and builds water-filled flood-control and containment products used by municipalities, construction companies, homeowners, and others across the country. These flood control barriers can be constructed for many different applications and sizes to fit customers’ needs. Their contribution supports the district’s ongoing efforts to strengthen preparedness and safeguard critical emergency-response facilities.