Originally, as a rural, unincorporated area, Bellevue did not have to rely on the county for fire service, but created its own volunteer fire department (which became Fire District No. 14) in the 1920s. Construction began on the Bellevue Fire Station at 102nd Avenue Southeast and Northeast First Place in 1946.
At this time the fire station was staffed completely by volunteers. Frank Gaff was the volunteer fire chief. According to a June 1947 Bellevue American article, this station was designed “not only to meet present needs, but with an eye to the future.” This fire station was used for 28 years, until it was replaced by Fire Station No. 1 at 766 Bellevue Way S.E.

 

Heritage Corner is a feature in the Bellevue Reporter. To learn more about Bellevue and Eastside history contact the Eastside Heritage Center at 425-450-1049 or visit EastsideHeritageCenter.org.