Formed in 1880, the Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) has a long history and proud tradition of service to the greater Tacoma community. From volunteer bucket brigades and horse-drawn wagons to modern apparatus and service methods, TFD continues to evolve as a progressive and responsive public safety organization.
Composition
The City of Tacoma was incorporated in 1884. From its humble origins of less than 1,000 residents, the city has grown to a population of approximately 220,000 today. TFD also provides contracted fire and EMS protection to Fircrest, Fife, and Pierce County Fire District 10 which adds a population of approximately 20,000.
The City, like many established communities, is a mixture of old and new. Recently constructed high-rise condominium buildings contrast with century-old single-family residential neighborhoods. A wide variety of commercial occupancies support the City’s economic base which includes healthcare, retail, industrial, and the Port of Tacoma.
There are 72 square miles within the City limits and contract areas, along with 44 miles of shoreline, and 25 square miles of saltwater. The City is divided by Interstates 5 and 705, along with State Routes 16 and 509.
TFD Budgeted Resources 2024
The following is the budgeted front-line staffing and resources deployment and minimum daily staffing is 83.
467
Commissioned Personnel
68
Non-Commissioned Personnel
7
BLS Transports
(3 are peak-hour)
1
Technical Rescue Unit
cross-staffed
1
Hazardous Materials Unit
cross-staffed
2
Fireboats
cross-staffed