NWFR is a special purpose district created under title 52 RCW, which was enacted in 1933. It formerly was known as Island County Fire District #2. There are 400 fire protection districts in Washington State. 

Each fire protection district is governed by an elected Board of Fire Commissioners. 

The purpose of the district is to eliminate fire hazards and protect life and property in unincorporated areas of the county. 

NWFR serves about 18,000 citizens in approximately 55 square miles of Island County. We cover from approximately just south of Libbey Rd. to the Deception Pass Bridge. This does not include the City of Oak Harbor or the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, which have their own Fire Departments.  In 2016, NWFR personnel responded to 2302 calls for emergency services.

NWFR does more than just fight fires. We provide a multitude of services that the community needs. We provide emergency medical services as most of our personnel are emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and we provide staffing for two ambulances through a partnership with Whidbey Health. NWFR provides a Marine Search and Rescue Team with two rescue boats and a group of highly trained dedicated individuals. Other services include Technical Rope Rescue Team, public CPR instruction, public safety education, and any other services that we can provide to assist the community any way we can.