The Yakima Valley Fire and Injury Prevention Association started several years ago as a standalone organization of fire service professionals dedicated to delivering fire prevention and life safety messages to the citizens of Yakima County. The State Fire Marshal’s Office supported Regional Councils throughout the State. Each Region had a 3 groups, Training, Fire Prevention, and Fire Investigation. Region 7 included Kittitas, Klickitat, and Yakima Counties. The training group operated independently of the Fire Prevention and Investigation groups. The State discontinued support of the Region concept. Since the Fire Prevention and Investigation groups had similar interests as the Yakima Valley Fire Injury and Prevention Association, a joint decision to merge was approved and the name Yakima Valley Fire and Injury Prevention was retained. New By-laws were drafted and approved.
Today, the Yakima Valley Fire and Injury Prevention Association continues to deliver fire and life safety training throughout Yakima County. Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH) is the primary program and is delivered to 2nd grade classes. Participation at the Central Washington State Fair, Playdate Family Expo, Central Washington Home Builders Show, are other venues used to deliver fire and life safety messages. An Annual Golf Tournament provides the primary funding to keep EDITH operational. Yakima Valley Fire and Injury Prevention Association also supports and provides training to members and fire departments such as Fire Life Safety Educator, Juvenile Fire Setters, International Fire Code, and Fire Investigation.