For the first time ever, there's an organized Ashley-area fire district.

In a special election to decide the matter on Thursday, voters weighed in by a 142-17 margin in favor of forming an organized and taxable district.

The quality of fire protection has been top notch, however, the organization itself was a mishmash that included separate entities operating in cooperation — the Ashley Rural Fire District, the Ashley Volunteer Firemen, and the City of Ashley.