History

The 1980’s began with the signing of a Mutual Aid Agreement between DNR, District 2, Ione, Metaline, and Metaline Falls, and ended with an agreement to change to a paging system from an alarm system for 911 responses.

The 90’s were a decade of growth for the district and local townships. The district was introduced to new training that included certifications for first-aid, CPR, Diver School, First Responder, EMT, IV Technician, Fire Fighter Fundamentals, EVAC (now EVIP), Hazmat, and incident dispatching. New equipment was acquired and existing equipment was updated, such as AED Life Packs, defibrillators, firefighter turnout gear, and communication equipment. In April 1990, the Pend Oreille County Auditor approved a petition to annex a portion of county property into the Fire District, the east side of the Pend Oreille River that encompasses approximately 644 additional acres of coverage responsibility for the district from River Way Drive in the South to Kelly Drive in the North. In March 1991, a committee was formed to establish a fire station on the east side of Pend Oreille River in the River Edge Estates area (the cross-street of Fir Drive and Larch Lane). At the start of the decade, the district established emergency medical services, and in 1997, the district started to provide ambulance transport services. By the end of the decade, the enhanced 911 system was implemented county-wide.

In early 2001, preparation and construction plans began for a new fire station in Tiger, Fire Station 23 and the current headquarters, with cooperation with the Tiger Historical Museum for water usage. Construction also began for a new fire station on the east side of Pend Oreille River, Fire Station 24. By 2008, both stations had been established.

Since 2010, Fire District 2 has seen many challenges and successes. The district continues to evolve as an agency whose goal is to provide excellent services and aid. The district began the decade with the replacement of Fire Station 22, participation in the Paging System Interlocal Agreement, and the signing of a county-wide EMS Mutual Aid Agreement. There has been an increased focus on training and cross-training of EMS and Fire personnel.

With the hiring of a new Fire Chief/Paramedic and the blending of both the Fire and EMS, the first female Division Chief was appointed in December 2017. The department participated with WSP as part of the State Mobilization to fight wildland fires generating funds for the Fire District. With a large number of our calls coming from EMS, the district now provides 8 Paramedics on different schedules to cover the district 24/7/365.

The district continues to review and establish policies that support the needs of the communities and the growth of the district.