You can listen to the Bellevue Fire Department live at

BELLEVUE FIRE RADIO LIVE FEED

CLICK ON THE SPEAKER ICON LABELED "LISTEN"
THE SITE CURRENTLY COVERS ALL FIRE/RESCUE/MEDIC RADIO
FOR BELLEVUE, SEATTLE, AND THROUGHOUT KING COUNTY

 
The link the is typically operational 24/7, but periodically goes down
for maintenance, so if it's not up when you check, just check back later.

STANDARD QUESTIONS ABOUT BELLEVUE FIRE DISPATCH
Who dispatches the Bellevue Fire Department? The Bellevue Fire Department is dispatched by "Norcom", which receives and dispatches fire and emergency medical calls for a large geographic area of eastern and northern King County, including Bellevue, Bothell, Duvall, Kirkland, Issaquah, Kenmore, Mercer Island, North Bend, Redmond, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Woodinville, and surrounding areas of King County.

Why does the the voice on the dispatch sound like a computer? Because in the case of Bellevue, Seattle and numerous other fire departments in King County... it is. Bellevue utilizes a system referred to as "locution" which utilizes a computer generated voice for initial dispatch. Once on the tactical "operating" channels, the dispatcher's voice will be that of a live human. The system provides for clearer and more efficient dispatch, allowing dispatchers to focus on the vitally important aspects of taking 911 calls and monitoring/communicating with crews operating on the tactical channels.

Why is it difficult to listen to the Bellevue Fire Department on a standard fire/police scanner? If you don't have a trunked 800 megahurtz scanner, it's very difficult to listen in as all fire agencies in King County operate on this system. This "trunking" system operates on a myriad of "talk groups" as opposed to the old standard "frequency" system used in the past. Online scanner links, like the one shown above are a free and effective way to listen in.

What is the difference between an engine, or a ladder, or an aid unit, or a medic unit? Each designator notes the capabilities of a specific type of apparatus. An "engine" carries hose, a pump, and water. A "ladder" is an aerial ladder apparatus equipped with a 100' aerial ladder and numerous ground ladders. Ladders also often carry hydraulic extrication tools. A "light force" is a combination ladder (4 personnel) and an engine/pump (1 personnel) that act as a single resource. A "rescue" is an apparatus that carries specialized rescue equipment and tools. A "hazmat" unit is an apparatus that carries specialized equipment for managing hazardous materials incidents. An "air unit" is an apparatus specifically designed for refilling SCBA (air tanks) at incidents. An "aid unit" is a basic life support unit with transport capability for medical and traumatic incidents. A "medic unit" is an advanced life support unit with transport capability for medical and trauma incidents. A "MSO" is a medical supervising officer. A "battalion chief" is a tactical chief officer. A "chief" is a senior chief officer (typically deputy or administrative). Each of these designators will be followed by a number typically denoting station assignment. For example, Engine 9 is located out of Fire Station 9.