Chief Joseph Sanford

Fire Chief

425-587-3650

JSanford@kirklandwa.gov

A Message from the Fire Chief

Washington became a state in 1889. That same year, the Great Seattle Fire destroyed much of the heart of that city and the people of Kirkland watched as smoke rose across Lake Washington for days. One year later, in 1890, the Kirkland Fire Department was formed. The “Fire” Department has evolved since that time, keeping pace with the changing needs of our community. Since those austere beginnings, the department has added Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management and Water Rescue to our list of services. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) now constitute nearly 75% of our calls for service.  The Fire Department is truly an “all hazards” response team. 

Together with our teams in the Fire Prevention Bureau, the Training Division, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Administration, and the Office of Emergency Management, we make up what’s now the Kirkland Fire Department.

The consistent support from our community and City Council has ensured that the dedicated professionals of the Kirkland Fire Department can continue to provide exceptional service. Whether assigned to work in Suppression, Administrative Support, Emergency Medical Services, Training or the Bureau of Fire Prevention; on a fire truck or within the Office of Emergency Management, the dedicated men and women of the Kirkland Fire Department are committed to providing the best services possible, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Chief Joseph Sanford

From its incorporation in 1905 with a population of 400, Kirkland has grown to a population of 92,175 and 18 square miles. The terrain varies from extended waterfront property and parks to wooded areas and steep hillsides with elevations ranging from sea level to 500 feet. The community is a balance of quiet residential neighborhoods, urban retail, commercial zones and industrial areas bordered by freeways and commerce lines.

Kirkland Fire Department employs approximately 135 employees who are involved in a diverse range of activities. The department provides 24-hour coverage for fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials and emergency medical responses. The department also provides fire prevention and education, fire investigations, inspections, code compliance and disaster preparedness services to the population.

The City of Kirkland has six fire stations:

Station 21- Forbes Creek
9816 Forbes Creek Drive

Station 22- Houghton
6602 108th Ave NE

Station 24- North Juanita
9824 NE 132nd St

Station 25-Finn Hill
12033 76th Place NE

Station 26- North Rose Hill
9930 124th Ave NE

Station 27- Totem Lake
12127 NE 132nd St

To learn more about what we do please see our 2020 Ballot Measure, Fire Prevention, and Emergency Management pages.

Background

In 2011, the City Council engaged the services of Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to conduct an organizational review of the Fire and Building Department. The City Council received the consultant's report in September 2012 and in August 2013 received the staff response and recommended priorities for implementing findings .

Since 2012, the Fire Department staff has been working with department members and the City Manager’s Office to implement certain recommendations through the budget process. 

For more detailed information and updates, see our Strategic Plan page.

Does the Fire Department offer CPR training to the public?

The Kirkland Fire Department (KFD) is partnering with the Medic One Foundation to provide free CPR classes beginning in February, 2024.

To learn when CPR classes are scheduled, visit our Public Education page.

Does the Fire Department inspect or install car seats?

The Kirkland Fire Department does not inspect or install car seats. For assistance, please contact King County Public Health Traffic Safety.

I live in the Kirkland city limits, can I burn my leaves and brush?

Outdoor burning of leaves, yard waste or garbage is banned in Kirkland. For air quality questions, call the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency at 206-343-8800. For air quality/indoor burning restrictions visit the Puget Sound Clear Air Agency site, or call 1-800-595-4341.

How can I arrange to have my children or school group visit a fire station? 

Please click Request a station tour to be linked to the request form.

Do you have a meeting room available to the public? How do I make reservations? What are the rules?

For details about available community rooms at the fire stations and to reserve one, please click Fire Station Community Rooms.

Can I go on a ride-along with Kirkland Fire Department?

Please click Request a Ride-along to be linked to the request form.

When should I call 9-1-1?

Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 anytime there is immediate danger to life or property. Generally, life threatening illness or injuries, smoke or flames that are seen or smelled, and motor vehicle accidents are situations requiring calls to 9-1-1. The public should call 9-1-1 if in doubt of the severity of the situation.

 What should I tell the dispatcher when I call 9-1-1?

The 9-1-1 dispatcher will ask a number of questions when you call 9-1-1. Many times, people feel the questions are delaying notifying the Fire Department. While a caller is answering questions, another dispatcher is notifying the Fire Department of the emergency. The dispatcher will ask questions to confirm your location or address, the type of emergency, your name, and a contact number. Additional questions may be asked based on the emergency.

 Where can I get more information about 9-1-1?

 You can see our dispatch center's FAQ.