Redings Mill Fire Protection District

Name: Redings Mill Fire Protection District
Address: Joplin, MO, 64804, US
Telephone: 417-624-2715

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Redings Mill Fire Protection District

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10/27/2026

10/26/2026

Did you know?

Do you know the difference between a Fire Department and a Fire District?

Although both serve the same purpose and may often work together, there is a key difference between them.

A Fire Department is typically part of a city or municipal government and operates within the city’s boundaries. The city funds it through the general fund, which may include sales and property taxes, and the municipal council oversees it.

A Fire District is a standalone political subdivision of the state, independent of city or county governance, created to provide fire and emergency services to multiple communities, rural areas, or unincorporated regions.

Fire districts manage every aspect of their operations internally—including HR, legal, fleet, and facilities—giving the fire chief a CEO-style role. By contrast, some fire departments rely on city services for each of these functions.

10/19/2026

Did you know?

In 1978, when the Redings Mill Rural Fire Department was in operation, it was 100% volunteer.

The Fire Chief became the first paid position in 1986, after the department became a fire protection district.

The district began filling part-time positions in 1994.

In 1996, the Redings Mill Fire Protection District officially became a combination department, hiring its first full-time firefighters and staffing Station 1 around the clock with 1 position across three 24-hour shifts.

In 1999, the fire district started its Resident (live-in volunteer) Program. This program staffed outlying stations. The district provided training and room and board in exchange for responding to calls and maintaining equipment. The program went dormant in 2020. We recently revived the Resident Program by placing our first resident at Fire Station #2.

The full-time staff expanded from 1 per shift to 4 per shift in 2006.
In 2018, full-time staff expanded to 6 per shift, and the district staffed a second fire station full-time.

In 2023, the district transitioned out of the traditional volunteer program. This change reflected shifting training and participation requirements. Traditional volunteers may return in the future.

Today, the fire district has 20 full-time positions, 6 part-time positions, and 1 Volunteer Resident. The full-time crews now work 48 hours on and 96 hours off shifts.

10/15/2026

Facts on Open Burning Under Missouri Regulations

Businesses, trades, industries, salvage, or demolition operations may not burn any waste without a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources.

Wastes that may not be burned include, but are not limited to, Tires, Rubber Products, Hazardous Materials, Styrofoam, Plastics, Petroleum-Based Products, Demolition Waste, Treated Wood, Asbestos-Containing Material, Carpet, Shingles, any chemical Oil (used or new), Paint, and Buildings of Any Kind.

Always contact your local fire department to check current burning conditions.

Address

Joplin, MO
64804

Telephone

417-624-2715

Website

http://www.rmfd.org/

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