Municipal fire department · Washington · United States

Tacoma Fire Department

About TFD

The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) protects the City of Tacoma — approximately 225,000 residents across roughly 50 square miles in Pierce County, Washington, on the southern shore of Puget Sound. The city's working port (the Port of Tacoma is one of the largest container ports in the Pacific Northwest), substantial industrial corridor along the Hylebos Waterway and around the Tideflats, dense urban core, and the substantial waterfront and Puget Sound marine exposure substantially shape the operational picture. TFD fields about 425 uniformed members from 16 fire stations and operates an all-hazards model: structural fire suppression, advanced life support emergency medical service (TFD operates ALS rescue units providing primary 911 ambulance transport within the city), technical rescue, hazardous materials response (a substantial capability given the port and industrial corridor), marine firefighting (a dedicated fireboat covers Commencement Bay and the Tacoma waterways), and arson investigation. Firefighter recruitment is administered by the City of Tacoma Civil Service Commission. The process typically includes a written examination, CPAT, oral interview, medical and psychological evaluation, and background investigation. Washington State EMT certification is required. Bluewatch refers candidates to the official portal.

Service at a glance

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Last updated 20 May 2026