About Us
To protect life, property, and the environment...
The District faces unique challenges in keeping pace with the changing world in which we live and work. We must not forget the traditions and people who brought us to this point. However, we must adapt, be flexible, and be progressive in order to be successful. We believe the following statements will provide with a vision that will enable us to continue to be an exceptional organization.
Vision Statement
- Strive to be leaders and role models in the community we serve
- Be accountable to those we serve, each other, and any fire service organization with whom we interact
- Be committed to providing the best public safety services through innovative training, education, and equipment
- Be willing to take the District into the future through productive teamwork, open and honest communication, and participative decision making throughout the organization
- Are committed to our mission and values, and be dedicated to the fire service
History & Service Area
- Became a rural fire department in June 19, 1958
- If somebody needed help, volunteers responded a garden hose and shovel
- County Commissioners created fire districts in November 1968 and our first fire commissioners were appointed
- District boundaries are approximately 248 square miles
- First unit was a 1943 International airport crash truck
- Second unit was a white half-track Unit 814 (this unit was painted red and is now a permanent part of our Headquarters Station Monument)
- The first District building was moved from Priest Rapids to Mattawa and was the training classroom at the original Station 81
- The original Station 81 was built in 1977 followed by Station 82 in 1980 and Station 83 in 1990
- The original Station 81 was sold in 2017 and the building was leased until the new Headquarters Station 81 was completed in 2021
- The City of Mattawa and the School District are served by contract
- Vernita Rest Stop is covered by contract
- Wanapum Dam, Wanapum Village, Beverly, and Schawana are covered by mutual aid agreements with District 10
- The Priest Rapids Indian Village is covered by contract