The Richland Fire Department has a rich history of service and innovation. Explore the timeline below to learn more about the foundation and development of the organization we now know as Richland Fire & Emergency Services (RF&ES).

1942

As part of the Federal Government’s Hanford Project, the DuPont Company began providing fire protection from a small station on the southeast corner of George Washington Way and Knight Street.

R.C. Anderson posing with a group of Junior Firefighters. Anderson was one of the first hires by DuPont and he served as a Chief during the Department's Hanford years.

1947

General Electric Co. took over operations at the Hanford Site from Dupont . The Hanford Site continued to expand under GE, with Government job seekers coming from all over the country. Many of which had work experience aswelders, carpenters, and even some Airforce members. All were trained to be Firefighters, and began operating as the Richland Fire Department

1952

The Richland Fire Department built a station on George Washington Way and Swift Blvd. This building is still used as the department's main fire station today.

Central fire station (Station 71), built in 1952, located on George Washington Way and Swift Blvd.

1958

In October, the City took over management of the department from General Electric and established the Richland Fire Department by City Charter. The City built two more fire stations with federal funding. Station 2 was located on Wright Avenue, and Station 3 was located on the corner of Jadwin and McMurray. Station 3 was retired in 2021 due to relocation.

1958 Richland Fire Department Logo

Richland Fire Department crew with apparatus fleet

1959

The Richland Fire Department was officially organized with the State of Washington on March 25.

Richland Fire Department crew (year unknown)

Present Day

Although today’s Richland Fire and Emergency Services might look a little different, our commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of the City of Richland remains the same. The Department now operates out of five fire stations, with a sixth expected to open June of 2024. Each Station has at least one ambulance and one fire engine along with a specialty apparatus such as a platform, brush, or grass engine. The department has 93 dedicated members, including operational and administrative staff, who provide the citizens of Richland with a wide range of services, including:

• Emergency medical response
• Fire suppression
• Hazardous materials response
• Technical rescue
• Fire inspections and investigation
• Fire prevention
• Public safety education

Station 74 medic and engine

Sunrise at Station 75

For more information about Richland Fire & Emergency Services, including contact information and job openings, visit our department webpage.

Visit RF&ES