History

An older man with glasses, wearing a short-sleeve shirt, stands with arms crossed in front of a dark background.

McLane Fire and Life Safety History

Two vintage fire trucks are parked at a garage entrance.

McLane Fire and Life Safety has served the community for over 50 years. The district was established in 1950 by Ira Williamson, owner of Hadees Grocery at Mud Bay, who organized the McLane Volunteer Fire Department with local support. The department’s first fire engine—a 1941 Ford—was purchased from McChord Air Force Base for $1 in 1951. Originally an Air Force crash truck in Hawaii, it later became McLane’s first apparatus.

The second engine, a 1941 Ford dump truck acquired from the Washington State Forest Service for $850, proved unsuitable. To create a functional tanker (now called a tender), the department purchased a Mack truck and, with assistance from Ziegler’s Welding Shop in Olympia, combined the two vehicles. The resulting 800-gallon tender was fondly nicknamed the “MacFord.”

Black Lake Fire Department History

In 1952, local business leaders recognized the need for a dedicated fire service. They raised funds to purchase a fire engine, which was housed in a garage—now the site of Black Lake Grocery. With assistance from the Tumwater Fire Chief, the Black Lake Volunteer Fire Department was formed.

By 1961, the department became Black Lake Fire Protection District No. 5, funded by tax revenue. This allowed construction of a two-bay steel fire station at Sapp Road and Belmore.

The first aid unit was an older panel truck. In 1974, members built a transport-capable aid car modeled after Thurston County Medic One units. In 1975, the Chief introduced specialized training, adding rescue and emergency medical services (EMS). District 5 was among the first in Thurston County to provide EMS. The inaugural EMT course included the Chief and several volunteers.

In 1977, the district purchased its first ambulance, making EMS a core service. Two years later, Lyall Smith became the first career firefighter and Fire Chief. Under his leadership, the department advanced in training and equipment. In the late 1990s, Smith launched a Resident Program, enabling firefighters to live at the station for faster emergency response.

As the community grows, the district continues to expand services while honoring its strong foundation.

McLane Black Lake Fire Department History

In January 2008, McLane Fire and Life Safety (Thurston County Fire District 9) and Black Lake Fire Department (Thurston County Fire District 5) consolidated under a contractual agreement, forming the McLane Black Lake Fire Department. This merger streamlined administration and improved purchasing efficiency, creating a more cost-effective organization.

In 2014, the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau reassessed the department’s capabilities, awarding both districts a Public Protection Classification of 5—a significant improvement that lowered insurance premiums for residents.

On August 7, 2018, after a decade of consolidation, voters approved the full merger of Fire District 5 into Fire District 9. The merger became effective September 1, 2018, increasing the Board of Fire Commissioners from three to five members.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 1950 – McLane Volunteer Fire Department organized by Ira Williamson.
  • Feb 25, 1951 – First fire engine (1941 Ford) purchased for $1 from McChord Air Force Base.
  • 1951 – Second engine acquired (1941 Ford dump truck); later converted into an 800-gallon tender called the “MacFord.”
  • 1952 – Black Lake Volunteer Fire Department formed by local businessmen.
  • 1961 – Black Lake Fire Protection District No. 5 officially established; first two-bay fire station built.
  • 1974 – First transport-capable aid car hand-built by members.
  • 1975 – District 5 begins offering EMS training; among first in Thurston County to provide EMS.
  • 1977 – First ambulance purchased; EMS becomes a regular service.
  • 1979 – First career firefighter hired: Fire Chief Lyall Smith.
  • Late 1990s – Resident Program introduced for faster emergency response.
  • Jan 2008 – McLane Fire and Life Safety and Black Lake Fire Department consolidate under contract, forming McLane Black Lake Fire Department.
  • 2014 – Department earns improved Public Protection Classification of 5. 
  • Aug 7, 2018 – Voters approve full merger of Fire District 5 into Fire District 9 - McLane Black Lake Fire Department.
  • Sept 1, 2018 – Merger finalized; Board of Fire Commissioners expands from three to five members.