The City of Weiser (population 5,630) created a fire department in 1900 and started providing fire protection throughout the area.  Around 1950, area farmers started organizing a firefighting team for the rural area. Fire Protection District No. 1 of Washington County, Idaho was formally organized in 1972 which evolved into “Weiser Area Rural Fire District” (WARFD) which receives funds via property taxes; the Weiser Fire Department receives funds from City of Weiser taxes.

For many years, the City and Rural organizations had explored the idea of joining forces. In 2022, they combined and started operating as one organization with funding from the taxes levied for the district and funds from the City of Weiser, as agreed in a contract. This cooperative operation (now referred to as Weiser Fire District) provides one organized fire protection group under common leadership and common goals.

Like most fire districts in rural Idaho, Weiser Fire District is staffed by volunteer firefighters who are paid hourly for responding to incidents and most training.  Training is scheduled on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, and some additional weekends.

Weiser Fire District is also an active member of the Snake River Valley Fire Chiefs Association. The “SRV” is a group of 28 fire departments and fire districts in Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon, including the Payette National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Idaho Department of Lands. The SRV maintains a mutual aid system utilized on many incidents throughout the year. The SRV Training Officers Association coordinates much of the firefighter training utilized by SRV members, including the SRV Academy each Spring.

Chief Atwood has been a firefighter for more than 35 years.  He is active in State, Local, and Community organizations, including Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, Snake River Valley Fire Chiefs Association, and Weiser Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Chief Tim Atwood

Weiser Fire District proudly works closely with Washington County Ambulance District, Washington County Sheriffs Office, and Weiser Police Department to provide service to our citizens.