The City of Redmond marked a significant milestone in sustainable emergency services on Saturday with the introduction of Washington state’s first electric fire engine. During a ceremony at Redmond City Hall attended by approximately 350 people, city officials unveiled the Pierce Volterra electric pumper truck, representing a major step toward the city’s environmental objectives.
The innovative vehicle, which features both electric and diesel capabilities, is expected to dramatically reduce emissions compared to traditional fire engines. Conventional diesel engines typically produce 18 metric tons of carbon dioxide and 0.13 metric tons of nitrogen oxides annually. By operating primarily in electric mode, the new engine will eliminate these emissions while conserving
approximately 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel per year.
Through a combination of grants and contributions from various organizations, including the Washington Department of Ecology, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Puget Sound Energy, Amazon, and Microsoft, the city secured the vehicle and its charging infrastructure at a significantly reduced cost. While the original price tag was $2.4 million, Redmond’s final contribution amounted to just $264,600.
The acquisition aligns with Mayor Angela Birney’s commitment, along with hundreds of other U.S. mayors, to transition at least 50% of municipal fleets to electric vehicles by 2030 and expand charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035. The city aims to achieve net-zero emissions from its operations by 2030.
Manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisconsin, the Volterra maintains performance standards equivalent to or exceeding those of traditional fire engines. It can pump 2,000 gallons per minute, matching the capability of Redmond’s existing fleet. The vehicle features enhanced maneuverability for navigating tight spaces and improved access to equipment during emergency responses.
The engine’s electric system provides an 80-mile range when operating solely on battery power, with rapid recharging capabilities taking less than 15 minutes. A backup diesel engine ensures extended operation when necessary, particularly during prolonged pumping activities.
Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard emphasized the vehicle’s significance beyond its environmental benefits, noting it demonstrates how modern fire departments can maintain effective emergency response while reducing their environmental impact.
The new engine will be stationed at Redmond’s Station 12 in the Overlake area. The city is already preparing for future expansion of its electric fleet, with charging infrastructure being installed at Fire Station 11 in downtown Redmond and plans to acquire an additional Volterra engine.
This initiative represents part of a broader sustainable
transportation strategy for Redmond, positioning the city as a leader in environmental responsibility within emergency services. The project demonstrates how collaborative funding efforts between government agencies and private sector partners can make innovative sustainable technologies more accessible to municipal services.
The implementation of this electric fire engine serves as a model for other fire departments considering similar transitions to more sustainable operations. By maintaining essential emergency response capabilities while significantly reducing environmental impact, Redmond’s new electric fire engine represents a practical solution for communities seeking to balance public safety with environmental responsibility.