"Our jaws of life is our biggest thing," said Keith Shepherd with the Pe Ell Fire Department. "It's a matter of life and death -- at times it could be."

The jaws of life is a large, metal vise-like device that is commonly used during auto wrecks to rip through metal and free trapped victims.

With theirs stolen, Pe Ell firefighters can't get into wrecked cars to rescue people who may be trapped.

"I'm very upset; that's very disturbing," said Danielle Watson, a Pe Ell resident.

The thieves also stole an oxygen tank used for patient care, breathing equipment for firefighters, masks, fire axes, two generators, chainsaws and other first aid equipment.

"It has basic first-aid stuff in it: c-collars, head beds," Shepherd said.

In all, about $18,000 in gear was taken.