We are a combination fire department with volunteer firefighters and support staff, career firefighters, and four administrative staff that operate out of six stations, a maintenance facility, and our fire administration center.

Benton County Fire District #1 provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and public information to a population of over 19,000 residents within 320 square miles — and to those passing through southeast Benton County on the interstate, on the rail system, or on the Columbia River.

Benton County Fire District #1 (BCFD#1) was formed September 23, 1946 with its first fire engine housed in a City of Kennewick fire station.

• In July 1958, the first BCFD#1 station was opened at 27th Avenue and Olympia Street. That fire station is still in operation.

• The second fire station was opened in a rented garage on Finley Road in 1959. The current fire station in Finley is located across the street from the original station.

• The third station was built at its current location at Grant and Canal Streets in 1960. This station continues to operate and serves areas throughout the District with a selection of special, one-of-a-kind apparatus.

• The fourth station opened at the Richland Y in the late 1950s. This station operated until annexations by the City of Richland reduced the need, and the station was closed.

• As the District grew, and due to Washington Survey and Rating Bureau requirements, a fifth station was built in Badger Canyon in 1992.

Although Fire Districts in Washington State were originally chartered in 1939 to provide fire protection, that mission has evolved to meet the expectations of the public. BCFD#1, like all Fire Districts serving urban populations, now provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials control and containment, and public information to its citizenry and those passing through on the Interstate, rail system, or Columbia River. We strive to provide our area with the best, most efficient emergency services.