Redding Fire Department

Did you know that illegal or “backyard” fireworks are responsible for an average of 18,000 fires annually in the US? All fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks and sparklers, are illegal in Shasta County and in the City of Redding.

Persons using fireworks will be held responsible for all damages and suppression costs resulting from fires and will incur fines from the City of Redding.

The annual Freedom Festival at the Redding Civic Auditorium is happening on Saturday, July 4. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Here are a few reminders ahead of July 4th:

🧨There is a zero-tolerance policy for those violating the no-fireworks policy. Please don’t risk a fire or a fine.

🧨Keep pets safely indoors, as fireworks can be particularly stressful for them and can cause them to startle and run away.

🧨The weather has been hot and dry. Use caution with BBQs, outside ashtrays, fire pits, and any other circumstances in which an open flame is present.

🚨 Red Flag Warning: Redding Fire Department and Redding Police Department Increasing Enforcement and Outreach Efforts 🚨

To help protect our community during the upcoming Red Flag Warning, the Redding Fire Department (RFD) and Redding Police Department (RPD) are increasing outreach efforts within encampments and enforcing regulations related to illegal fires beginning Wednesday, June 10.

The National Weather Service Sacramento California is forecasting hot, dry, and windy conditions across the Redding area through Thursday, June 11, with winds expected to exceed 30 mph and temperatures reaching triple digits by Thursday. These conditions are expected to continue into next week, creating an elevated risk of wildfire.

Last weekend, RFD responded to multiple vegetation fires. The majority are currently under investigation as suspected arson incidents. One fire resulted in criminal charges against a juvenile suspect.

So far in 2026, 37.3% of all fires within the City of Redding have involved, or are suspected to have involved, an unhoused individual.

During Red Flag conditions, even a small fire can spread rapidly, especially in areas with dry vegetation and heavy fuels. Our goal is simple: keep everyone in our community safe.

Grant funding provided by the State of California is supporting additional patrols in areas of the city that have historically experienced encampment-related fires.

🔊Help Reduce Fire Risk

As we enter this period of extreme fire danger, please take extra precautions:

🔥Do not mow or operate power tools/equipment after 10:00 a.m.
🔥Never park on dry grass or vegetation. Heat from your vehicle can ignite a fire.
🔥Properly extinguish and dispose of ci******es.
🔥Ensure trailer safety chains are secured and not dragging while towing.

We appreciate the community's partnership in helping prevent wildfires and keeping Redding safe.

When it comes to water safety, every detail matters—including the color of your swimsuit.

Bright, vibrant colors like neon orange, pink, yellow, and green are often much easier to see underwater than darker shades or light colors that can blend into the surroundings. In an emergency, those extra seconds spent locating a swimmer can make a significant difference.

Whether you're spending the day at the pool, lake, or river, consider choosing swimsuit colors that stand out. It's a simple step that can help improve visibility and add an extra layer of safety for both children and adults.

As we head into warmer weather, remember: active supervision, life jackets, swim lessons, and visible swimwear all play a role in keeping everyone safe around the water.

Redding Fire Department 2026 Captains Academy

This year's Captains Academy brings together both newly promoted and aspiring Fire Captains from the Redding Fire Department.

As the supervising officer at the fire station, the Fire Captain plays a critical leadership role. They are responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of their crew, the readiness of their station, and the operational effectiveness of their apparatus.

As a public-facing leader, the Fire Captain represents the department within the community they serve. They also serve as the Incident Commander on emergency scenes until relieved by a Battalion Chief, making critical decisions in dynamic and often high-stress situations.

The Captains Academy is designed to prepare these leaders for the challenges and responsibilities of one of the most important positions in the fire service.

Did you know that motorists are responsible for many of the wildfires that start along our roadways? Drivers often don't realize their vehicle is the cause of the fire until it's too late.

Don’t start a fire while trying to tow this holiday weekend! Keep these safety tips in mind before you hit the road:

🛻🔥Conduct a thorough inspection, including tire condition, tire pressure, lights, and brakes

🛻🔥Make sure your tow chain doesn’t drag. As an added safety measure, cover those chains

🛻🔥Know your weight limits

🛻🔥Use proper towing techniques

🛻🔥Be a defensive driver

🛻🔥Maintain a proper speed. The higher the speed, the longer it takes to stop the vehicle

🛻🔥Be weather aware. Windy, wet or icy conditions require adjusted techniques

🛻🔥Avoid parking on dry grass