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7 Unmissable Facts About The City Of Redmond Fire Department's New Era Of Innovation And Safety

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The City of Redmond Fire Department (RFD) stands at the forefront of modern emergency services, continually adapting to the challenges of a rapidly growing urban landscape and a global climate crisis. As of December 22, 2025, the department has cemented its status as a leader in both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship, marked by groundbreaking new equipment and a long-term strategic vision that will guide its operations for the next quarter-century. This article delves into the most current and critical developments, offering a fresh, in-depth look at the initiatives shaping public safety in Redmond, Washington.

The RFD’s recent milestones—from deploying the first electric fire apparatus in Washington State to adopting a comprehensive 25-year functional plan—demonstrate a proactive commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities while drastically reducing the city’s carbon footprint. These strategic moves ensure that the department is not only prepared for today's emergencies but is also building a resilient, sustainable infrastructure for the future.

The Redmond Fire Department Leadership and Key Facilities

The City of Redmond Fire Department (RFD) is a cornerstone of public safety, managing a complex network of emergency services that include fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), technical rescue, and fire prevention. The department’s leadership and facilities are structured to provide robust coverage across Redmond’s diverse residential and technological corridors.

RFD Leadership Profile

  • Fire Chief: Ryan Herrera
  • Appointment Note: Chief Herrera was appointed to the role following the retirement of former Chief Pat Dale, who concluded a 42-year career in the fire service. Herrera previously served as a Battalion Chief at South King Fire.
  • Key Deputies: Deputy Chief Jim Whitney (involved in the electric engine initiative), and Deputy Chief Kurocony (presented the Functional Plan).

Key Fire Stations and Divisions

The RFD operates several key stations to ensure optimal response times across the city, with the headquarters serving as the central hub for administration and coordination.

  • Fire Station 11 (Headquarters): 8450 161st Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052. This facility is the nerve center for the department.
  • Fire Prevention Division: Operates out of the headquarters, focusing on code enforcement, inspections, and community education to mitigate fire risks before they occur.
  • Fire Station 17: This station is part of a critical strategic plan to enhance response capabilities. Recent developments include the planned relocation of Ladder 16 and the introduction of a Tiller Drawn Aerial (TDA) apparatus to better navigate and respond within Redmond's increasingly confined urban developments.

The Electric Revolution: Washington State's First Electric Fire Engine

In a historic move that aligns the department with the City of Redmond’s ambitious climate initiatives, the Redmond Fire Department has unveiled the first electric fire engine to enter service in Washington State. This landmark adoption is a powerful statement about the city’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its overall carbon footprint.

The new electric apparatus, often referred to as a Volterra, represents more than just a piece of equipment; it is a critical step toward the city's goal of electrifying at least 50% of its fleet by 2035. The engine operates with zero tailpipe emissions, significantly improving air quality around fire stations and emergency scenes.

Deputy Chief Jim Whitney highlighted the importance of this shift, noting that the Volterra is a physical representation of Redmond’s dedication to environmental responsibility. The transition to electric apparatus is a complex logistical undertaking, requiring new infrastructure for charging and specialized training for personnel, but the long-term benefits for public health and the environment are substantial.

The 2025–2050 Functional Plan: A 25-Year Roadmap for Growth

The future of emergency response in Redmond is now clearly defined with the adoption of the Redmond Fire Department Functional Plan, 2025–2050. This comprehensive strategic document was adopted by the City Council in December 2025 and serves as the foundational policy framework for the department’s capital decisions, resource allocation, and service delivery for the next quarter-century.

Deputy Chief Kurocony presented the plan to the Public Safety and Human Services Committee, emphasizing that the plan is essential for navigating the complexities of Redmond’s rapid population increase, evolving climate risks, and the demands of modern emergency response. The plan is designed to be a living document, guiding future investments without immediately authorizing construction projects.

Key areas addressed within the Functional Plan include:

  • Station Modernization and Relocation: Strategically planning for new and updated facilities to maintain or improve target emergency response times across the city.
  • Resource Management: Ensuring staffing levels and apparatus procurement align with projected call volumes and the increasing complexity of incidents, including specialized needs like Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials (HazMat) response.
  • Technology Integration: Investing in cutting-edge technology for dispatch, data analysis, and communication to enhance operational efficiency.

This long-term vision is crucial for maintaining the high level of service the community expects as Redmond continues to grow into a major metropolitan hub.

Operational Excellence and Enhanced Urban Response Capabilities

The Redmond Fire Department consistently demonstrates a high level of operational excellence, a fact borne out by recent performance figures. In a recent city news release, the RFD reported successfully confining over 90% of fires to the room of origin. This metric is a testament to the effectiveness of the department’s training, rapid deployment strategies, and the professionalism of its firefighters.

Furthermore, the RFD is actively enhancing its capabilities to manage incidents in the dense, high-rise urban environments that are becoming common in the city center. A key component of this enhancement is the introduction of a Tiller Drawn Aerial (TDA) apparatus and the strategic relocation of Ladder 16.

A TDA, or "Tiller," is a specialized ladder truck that features a separate steering axle at the rear, allowing for unparalleled maneuverability in tight corners, narrow streets, and congested areas. This is vital for accessing modern buildings and confined spaces, ensuring that the department can deploy its most powerful rescue and suppression tools exactly where they are needed, even in the most challenging locations.

Community and Regional Support Initiatives

The RFD’s mission extends beyond the immediate city limits. In January 2025, the department deployed a crew to assist with regional emergency needs, underscoring its role in mutual aid agreements and regional Public Safety efforts. This deployment capability ensures that the RFD can provide critical fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) support to neighboring jurisdictions while still maintaining robust local coverage for Redmond residents.

The department also places a strong emphasis on community risk reduction through its Fire Prevention Division. Programs focus on educating residents and businesses on fire safety, disaster preparedness, and the proper use of life-saving equipment. These community-focused efforts are a core part of the RFD’s strategy, recognizing that prevention is the most effective form of protection.

The City of Redmond Fire Department is clearly in a new era of service. With the state’s first electric fire engine setting a national standard for environmental responsibility, and the 2025–2050 Functional Plan providing a clear, strategic path for future growth, the RFD is well-equipped to meet the evolving emergency response needs of its community for decades to come. The blend of cutting-edge technology, strategic planning, and a highly trained workforce ensures that public safety remains the city’s highest priority.

7 Unmissable Facts About the City of Redmond Fire Department's New Era of Innovation and Safety
city of redmond fire department
city of redmond fire department

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