Jan. 9, 2025 — Redmond, Wash. The Redmond Fire Department deployed four firefighters and one fire engine to assist in combating intensified wildfires across Southern California, responding to a call for mutual aid alongside other Washington state resources.
The highly trained personnel, equipped with specialized fire suppression equipment, joined efforts with firefighters from King and Pierce Counties as part of a coordinated state response involving over 200 resources, including 11 strike teams with 55 fire engines and 220 personnel via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
“We are proud of our firefighters for their willingness to travel across state lines and assist those in need,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Redmond is a community that is ready to support others during times of crisis. Our thoughts are with the families and firefighters affected by the wildfires in California.”
Redmond Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard added: “Our firefighters join Southern California’s wildfire response, extending our protection beyond city limits while maintaining robust local coverage. This deployment demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding all communities, near and far.”
On Jan. 13, KUOW reported from the scene where the Redmond crew—Lieutenant Jeff Poff, Firefighter Lucas Hughes, Firefighter Jeff Carroll, and Driver Engineer Paul Smith—was assigned to the Palisades Fire, the largest at the time, as part of a task force with four to five other engines.
Firefighter Jeff Carroll described the challenging conditions:
“It’s pretty devastating. There was a lot of destruction… Whole blocks are destroyed, but the city is rallying. They’re fighting.”
The team focused on structure protection, patrolling neighborhoods, stabilizing fire lines, and coordinating airstrikes amid steep terrain, heavy smoke, and volatile winds. Carroll noted the crew felt a “tug on our heart strings to help out.”
Local outlets, including 425 Magazine and FOX 13 Seattle, covered the announcement, highlighting Washington crews aiding Los Angeles County fires. The City of Redmond shared updates on social media, reiterating the crew’s role in Southern California.
