Redmond Fire & Rescue Partners With Kiwanis Club Of Redmond For Food Drive (Photo) - 10/26/26

October 26, 2026-Redmond, OR — Redmond Fire & Rescue is proud to announce its partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Redmond for this year’s Food Drive. This community initiative aims to provide essential food items to local families in need during the holiday season.

The food drive will run from October 30th through December 31st, with the collection point at Redmond Fire & Rescue's downtown station, located at 341 NW Dogwood Ave. Donations of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and boxed meals are encouraged.

“Our mission goes beyond emergency response—we’re committed to supporting the community in every way we can,” said Ryan Herrera, Fire Chief of Redmond Fire & Rescue. “Partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Redmond allows us to make a real difference for families during the holidays.”

The Kiwanis Club of Redmond has a long-standing tradition of serving the community, and this collaboration strengthens efforts to ensure no family goes hungry this Thanksgiving.

How to Help:

• Drop off non-perishable food items at Redmond Fire & Rescues downtown station.
• Share this initiative on social media to spread the word.

Redmond Fire & Rescue To Open Outdoor Burning On October 1 - 09/29/26

September 29, 2026, Redmond, OR- At 8am on October 1st, Redmond Fire & Rescue will reopen outdoor burning. With the recent rains and decrease in high temperatures, the risk for fire spread has decreased to safe levels. Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind anyone who is conducting outdoor burning of the regulations for the areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue:

NO DEBRIS BURNING INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF REDMOND AT ANY TIME

Open debris burning inside the city limits of Redmond is prohibited per Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance #5. Failure to comply can result in a citation and fines.

Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires, in approved fire rings or appliances, are allowed year-round when the regulations below are followed. These fires are allowed within city limits and no permit is required.

All types of fires may be banned in peak fire conditions.

A burn permit is required for open burning. A burn permit is not required when using a burn barrel, however you must still check the burn line to determine if burning is allowed. Burn permits will be available via the

Before You Burn App or at www.rdmfire-or.gov.  

Outdoor burning is determined on a daily basis before 8am. If conditions allow, burning will be opened. 

General Requirements

• Each day, before you begin your outdoor burning, you must call the outdoor burning number at 541-504-5035 and utilize the burn permit online system to determine if burning is allowed. A permit is required.
• You are completely responsible, criminally and personally, including any suppression costs, for any fire you start. These regulations do NOT relieve responsibility for conducting a safe and attended burn.
• All fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Fires should be cold to the touch to be considered completely out.
• A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as a shovel and dirt, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
• Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of any fire which creates or adds to a hazardous situation.
• All fires shall have a minimum of 10 feet around the fire clear of combustibles.
• An adult must be in attendance at all times.

To Report an Illegal Burn

Call the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911 to report an illegal burn. Or to report individuals who are burning items not approved by DEQ, please call DEQ at 541-388-6146.

Residential Outdoor Burning of Yard Debris (only permitted outside the Redmond city limits with a valid permit)

Provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to any structure*. To apply for a permit, download the Burn Permit app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

1. Fires in approved containers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure.
2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.
3. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 50 feet where the pile size is greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
4. Burn piles need to be sized so fires will be completely out by the required time indicated on the burn information line.
5. Burn barrels shall be at least 15 feet from any structure.
6. Absolutely no debris burning after dark.

Redmond Fire & Rescue Awarded $252,706 FEMA Assistance To Firefighters Grant To Enhance Firefighter Cancer Prevention Efforts - 09/28/26

REDMOND, OR. – Redmond Fire & Rescue has been awarded a Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) totaling $252,706.81, with a total project investment of $277,977.50, including the district's required cost share. The grant will fund the purchase and installation of source capture vehicle exhaust systems at all Redmond Fire & Rescue stations, significantly reducing firefighters' exposure to carcinogenic diesel exhaust.

Firefighter cancer remains one of the most serious occupational hazards facing the fire service. The new exhaust capture systems represent a substantial investment in firefighter health and safety and align with industry best practices for reducing exposure to known carcinogens.

"This grant is about protecting the people who dedicate their lives to protecting our community," said Chief Ryan Herrera. "With members of our organization having navigated a past cancer diagnosis, and with the recent passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Kienzle from cancer, this funding marks another meaningful step forward in our commitment to carcinogen reduction and improving the long-term health and safety of our personnel."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program exists to protect the health and safety of both the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. FEMA determined that Redmond Fire & Rescue's project aligned with the program's purpose and deserved funding.

The grant award follows strong support from Oregon's congressional delegation. In a joint letter to FEMA, Janelle S. Bynum, Ron Wyden, and Jeffrey A. Merkley highlighted the importance of addressing occupational cancer risks within the fire service and emphasized that investing in station-based exhaust capture systems helps prevent long-term illness, preserve trained personnel, and maintain emergency response readiness throughout Central Oregon and the state's mutual aid network.

"Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust is one of the most effective steps we can take to lower occupational cancer risks within our stations," Herrera said. "This project reflects our responsibility to ensure that current and future generations of firefighters have a healthier work environment and the protection they deserve."