Historic Red Deer Fire station with firefighters and horses in front
Vintage fire truck with Red Deer Firefighters in early 20th-century attire, parked outside a fire station with additional fire trucks and onlookers in the background.
Row of vintage fire trucks and emergency vehicles parked in front of a historic fire station with brick architecture.
Group of firefighters in uniform standing in front of an emergency vehicle with "Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Emergency Services" marking.
Firefighters respond to a house fire with a truck on a snowy street, heavy smoke in the background.

Our History

For over a century, Red Deer Firefighters have been at the forefront of protecting our community. What began in 1906 as a small volunteer Fire Brigade has evolved into a fully integrated emergency services agency, providing fire suppression, advanced medical care, rescue operations, and public safety education.

The Early Years

Red Deer’s firefighting history dates back to 1906, when a group of dedicated volunteers formed the city’s first Fire Brigade. With basic equipment and a shared commitment to protecting their neighbours, these early Firefighters laid the foundation for the professional service we have today. As the city grew, so did the need for a more structured and well-equipped fire department. By 1911, Red Deer had established its first dedicated fire hall on Ross Street, marking a significant step in the city's ability to respond to emergencies.

Growth and Expansion

In the 1980s, emergency medical services (EMS) were integrated into the department, making Red Deer one of the first fully combined Fire and Paramedic services in the province. This transition meant that our Firefighters were not only skilled in fire suppression but also trained as Paramedics, allowing them to provide advanced life-saving medical care before patients even reach the hospital.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Red Deer Firefighters proudly providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical care to our community. Since 1985, our highly trained Firefighter-Paramedics have been dedicated to delivering rapid, life-saving interventions in times of crisis. As we reflect on four decades of service, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services for the people of Red Deer.

As Red Deer continued to expand, so did the complexity of emergencies. Industrial growth, evolving building codes, and new fire risks required continuous advancements in technology, training, and resources. Over the decades, Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) introduced specialized rescue teams, hazardous materials response, and advanced life support capabilities to better serve the community.

Today and Beyond

Now, Red Deer Emergency Services operates five fire stations strategically placed across the city to ensure rapid response times in any emergency. These stations are staffed with highly trained Firefighters and Paramedics who stand ready to respond 24/7, providing critical fire suppression, emergency medical care, and rescue services.

Maintaining all five stations is not just about convenience—it is about safety. A fully staffed Fire Service ensures that every resident, business, and visitor in Red Deer receives the emergency response they deserve. Cutting resources risks longer response times, increased property damage, and most importantly, greater danger to public safety. The Red Deer Firefighter’s Association firmly believes that keeping all five stations fully staffed and operational is essential to upholding the level of protection our community expects and deserves.

As we look to the future, Red Deer Firefighters remain committed to protecting lives, embracing new technologies, modern firefighting strategies, and community-based safety initiatives. However, safety starts with proper staffing, proper resources, and a commitment to putting public safety first.

From our humble beginnings to the professional service we are today, one thing has never changed: our unwavering dedication to the citizens of Red Deer.