Fife city officials have called for voluntary evacuation of the city due to heavy rains and flooding, according to a statement released this afternoon.

Officials activated the Fife Emergency Operations Centers at 1:00 p.m. Mayor Barry Johnson has declared a state of emergency and is asking that citizens living and working in the city south of Intestate 5 to begin a voluntary evacuation due to the possibility of flooding from the Puyallup River.

While officials continue to seek a temporary shelter for those displaced by the possible flooding, they are asking people to get to higher ground away from the river by 5:00 p.m.

Members of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians that live in the affected area are asked to respond to the Fife Emerald Queen Casino. Fife Police have shut down N. Levee Rd. in to and out of the city at Freeman Rd. E., 70th Ave. E. and 54th Ave. E. Police have also closed Frank Albert Rd. at Industry Dr. until further notice.

Fife Officials are asking that citizens tune into radio station 1580 AM for updates or to log onto the City of Fife Web site at http://www.cityoffife.org for continued updates.