Department History

DEPARTMENT HISTORY

McLane Fire and Life Safety has proudly served the residents of the district for over 50 years.

The Fire District was first organized in 1950 by Ira Williamson, owner of Hadees Grocery store at Mud Bay. Mr. Williamson, with the support of friends and neighbors, formed the McLane Volunteer Fire Department in December 1950.

McLane's first fire engine was a 1941 Ford purchased for $1.00 from McChord Air Force Base on February 25, 1951. This first engine had serves as an Air Force Crash truck in Hawaii before being shipped to Fort Lewis as surplus before eventually finding its new home serving the residents of McLane.

Department founder Ira Williamson

The first fire engine and the "MacFord" sit in front of the first fire station

The second fire engine purchased was a 1941 Ford 5-yard dump truck obtained from the Washington State Forest Service for $850.00. The dump truck was of no use to the department, so a Mack truck was purchased with the intention of combining the pieces of equipment to make a tanker (referred to today as a tender). With the help of Mr. Zeigler from Ziegler's Welding Shop in Olympia, the two trucks were cut in half behind the cabs, then the back of the Mack was welded onto the front half of the Ford. When completed, this 800 gallon tender was affectionately referred to as the "MacFord".