Our history
A community built District 14
The story of two determined residents, a change in county boundaries, and the volunteers who built local fire protection for the Nile-Cliffdell community.
Neighbors helping neighbors
Before there was a district, there was a community determined to protect its own.
The history of Nile-Cliffdell Fire & Rescue is rooted in local initiative, volunteer labor, and the conviction that rural residents deserved dependable emergency services close to home.
- 1969
A local effort begins
Residents Jon Harlan and Cecile Clark set out to transfer the Cliffdell area from Kittitas County to Yakima County. The community's distance from Kittitas County made dependable law-enforcement and emergency services difficult to reach. Their goal was to bring the area into Yakima County and establish local fire protection.
- 1970
A new county home
On December 31, Governor Daniel J. Evans signed a proclamation transferring the property known as the Cliffdell area to Yakima County. The decision marked the success of years of community work and opened the way for a local fire district.
- 1975
District 14 is established
Yakima County Fire Protection District 14 formally came into existence, giving the community an organized foundation for fire protection and emergency response.
- 1978
Built by volunteers
Old Fire Station #1 was constructed through volunteer labor—a practical expression of neighbors working together to protect their community.
- 1980
A permanent station
The property known as the Bond Garage became New Fire Station 1. That facility is known today as Station 14.
Today
Four stations. One mountain community.
From those volunteer-built beginnings, the district has continued to grow. Nile-Cliffdell Fire & Rescue now operates four strategically located stations serving communities from Lower Nile Road to Cliffdell.