FAQ’s
Burning
Q. Can I burn outdoors?show
A. Yes, in most areas in unincorporated King County. (Burning is not allowed within the Urban Growth Boundaries). You do not need a permit to have a "recreational fire" but you do need a permit to burn yard waste. King County Fire District 34 residents may apply for a burn permit online BURN PERMIT APPLICATION. No, you may not burn yard waste outdoors within Redmond City limits but you may have a recreational fire.
Q. Do I need a burn permit in King County Fire District 34 to burn yard debris?show
A. Yes. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is the agency that sets the regulations for burning in King County Fire District 34. You may apply for a burn permit online BURN PERMIT APPLICATION .
Q. What kind of material can I burn outdoors?show
A. Where outdoor burning is allowed, fires are limited to vegetative material grown on the property, such as leaves, branches and twigs.
Q. What is a “recreational fire”?show
A. Fires lit in chimneys, fire pits, fire bowls or similar free-standing devices are considered “recreational” and should use only charcoal, dried firewood or manufactured logs. Recreational fires must:
- Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and not be used as debris disposal;
- Grow no larger than three feet in diameter;
- Be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches;
- Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire- garden hose.
- Please note - the use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques would continue to be allowed under the ban
Q. Do I need a permit for a “recreational fire”?show
A. No, a small "recreational fire" is allowed, without a permit, but must comply with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency burn bans. Check PSCAA website for current burn ban information. The following restrictions do apply:
- Shall not be within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials(s).
- Shall be attended at all time by an alert individual with immediate access to a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
- Shall be contained in an approved fire pit meeting the following requirements:
- A metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds.
- No larger than three feet across.
- Shall be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including a 20 foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.
Q. Is a barbecue grill allowed on the deck of my apartment or condominium?show
A. Please check with your apartment manager.
Q. What is agricultural burning and do I need a permit?show
A. Yes, permits must first be approved by King County Fire District 34 and then by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Agricultural burning permits are available only to farmers who can demonstrate by tax record documentation that they run a commercial agricultural operation and that the burning is necessary or meets criteria for best management practices. For more information on agricultural burn permits, call 425-556-2200 or visit Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Click here for an agricultural burn permit pdf.
Car Seat Installation
Q. Will you help me install a car seat?show
A. The Redmond Fire Department does not have AAA certified Car Seat Technicians to install car seats. The following organizations can be contacted for car seat installation: Evergreen Hospital: 425.499-3000 (Health line press #1) Bothell: 425.486.1678 Woodinville Fire & Safety: 425.483.2131 1-800-BUCKLUP (Safety Restraint Coalition)
Fire Extinguisher Use
Q. How do I select and use a fire extinguisher?show
A. You never want to have to use them, but it's wise to own several fire extinguishers. Used correctly, they'll reduce flame and smoke damage and may save your home--or your life. But not all fires are alike and using the wrong type of extinguisher will actually make things worse. Look for symbols or the letters A, B and C to determine which fire class(es) the extinguisher will put out. Class A extinguishers put out fires fueled by wood, paper, cloth, rubber and most plastics. Class B extinguishes flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil and grease. Class C is for wiring, appliance and electrical fires. Buy the most suitable extinguisher for each room. Keep one in the garage, and another near the furnace. In the kitchen get a combination B-C extinguisher for grease and gas fires. For further information, view the video links below.
- Fire Extinguisher Types
- (Video) How to use a Fire Extinguisher
- (Video) Demonstration of Fire Extinguisher Use
Q. Where do I throw away an old fire extinguisher?show
A. The Redmond Fire Department does not accept fire extinguishers that need to be discarded. Residents can dispose of fire extinguishers year round at:
- Seattle Fire Extinguisher, 6051 137th Ave NE, Redmond WA
- Fire Chief Equipment, 7661 159th Pl NE, Redmond, WA
Q. Where do I get a fire extinguisher recharged?show
A. The Redmond Fire Department does not maintain a list of certified companies, nor can the fire department staff make recommendations for companies that can refill fire extinguishers. We recommend searching "fire extinguisher" either on the Internet or in the phone book for listed dealers in the Redmond area.
Fires
Q. Who investigates fires?show
A. Fire investigations are conducted by the King County Sheriff’s office. You can reach them at 206-263-2070.
Q. Where can I get a fire incident report?show
A. Fire report records that give dispatch (date, address, engines dispatched) information on a fire incident can be requested from Redmond Fire Department. Records requests should include date/time/location of incident. Requests can be made online at https://redmondwa.govqa.us/webapp/_rs/(S(2nhbgwvflpjaha5eis3qwzlq))/supporthome.aspx. via email at redmondfire@redmond.gov or in the form of a letter and forwarded to: Redmond Fire Department Attn: Records 8450 161st Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052 Please include your phone number and/or email address in order for our staff to contact you in the event of any questions. If you have any questions, call Redmond Fire at 425-556-2200 or email at redmondfire@redmond.gov To obtain investigative (cause of fire, investigation results, etc.) reports on fire incidents, please contact the King County Sheriff’s office. You can reach them at 206-263-2070.
Fireworks
Q. When are fireworks allowed?show
A.
Fireworks in King County Fire District 34 (unincorporated King County) are only allowed on July 4th, 9 a.m. to midnight and December 31st, 6 p.m.- 1 a.m January 1st. Fireworks are banned within Redmond city limits. To check other locations go to http://www.kingcounty.gov/property/FireMarshal/fireworks.aspx.
New Year's holiday
Washington State law and King County ordinance allow fireworks to be discharged for the celebration of the New Year holiday. In unincorporated King County:- Fireworks may be discharged only from 6 p.m. on December 31 until 1 a.m. on January 1.
- Fireworks sales for New Year's celebrations are legal beginning at noon on December 27 until 11 p.m., then daily from noon to 11 p.m. through December 31.
- To purchase fireworks you must be at least 16 years of age with picture identification.
- Fireworks permit: Application for temporary stand / tent form available in fill-in Word (63KB) or PDF (29KB) format.
Fourth of July holiday
In unincorporated King County:- Fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
- Fireworks sales are legal beginning at noon on June 28 until 11 p.m. and then daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4. No sales can occur after July 4.
- To purchase fireworks you must be at least 16 years of age with picture identification.
- Fireworks permit: Application for temporary stand / tent form available in fill-in Word (63KB) or PDF (29KB) format.
Fireworks safety
Please take the following precautions with all fireworks:- Use only approved, legal, and common fireworks from reliable Washington State and King County Fire Marshal licensed retailers.
- Always have a responsible adult light all fireworks.
- Have a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy.
- Use fireworks under outdoor conditions only, away from buildings, houses with wood shingles, trees, and dry fields.
- Avoid aerial type fireworks.
- Light one item at a time, move away quickly, and keep a safe distance away.
- Dispose of used fireworks by first soaking them in water.
- Ensure the safety of pets.
- Use eye protection.
- Remember your neighbors and clean up all debris.
- If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least a minimum of five minutes before approaching the device.
- Remember, if it has a stick or fins and it goes up or if it blows up, it is illegal in Washington State.
- Rather than buying fireworks, attend a public fireworks display when available and make that a family tradition.
Insurance Rating
Q. What is my insurance rating in FD34?show
A. In February, 2014 the Washington State Ratings Bureau (WSRB) completed its evaluation of fire capabilites as they relate to King County Fire District 34. King County Fire District 34 remains a Protection Class 4. To view the WSRB report, click here: View Report
Medical Reports
Q. Where can I get a medical incident report?show
A. Copies of medical incident report records are available upon request. Records requests should include date/time/location of incident. Medical record requests will only be released to the patient of record or authorized representative. A release signed by the patient of record must accompany all such requests. Requests can be made via email at redmondfire@redmond.gov or in the form of a letter addressed to City of Redmond and mailed to: Redmond Fire Department Attn: Records 8450 161st Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052 Please include your phone number and/or email address in order for our staff to contact you in the event of any questions. If you have any questions, contact Redmond Fire at 425.556.2200 or email at redmondfire@redmond.gov.
Smoke Alarms
Q. How do I get a smoke alarm to stop beeping?show
A. A beeping smoke alarm can be an indication that it is time to change the battery. If you change the battery and still hear chirping, make sure you haven’t put the battery in backwards. If chirping continues after you change the battery, hold down the test button on the smoke alarm to reset the alarm and clear the battery failure from its memory. Use a vacuum attachment or a can of compressed air to blow away any dust or dead insects from the fire alarm sensor. Vacuuming twice a year to clear away spider webs or dust can prevent smoke alarm chirping.
Q. Do you install smoke alarms for residents?show
A.
Yes, call 425-556-2200 and staff will direct your request to the nearest fire station. You can also email your request to redmondfire@redmond.gov
Working smoke alarms save lives.
Check your smoke alarms and practice your home fire drill.