Recent Consolidation

    In January 2008, McLane Fire and Life Safety entered into a contractual consolidation with Black Lake Fire Department. This opportunity allows us to work closer together both operationally and administratively. This agreement assists us is cost savings to the citizens by virtually eliminating duplication of efforts of administrative as well as purchasing costs. We have found this venture to be asset to both departments. McLane Fire and Life Safety, (Thurston County Fire Dist.9) provides services to approximately 12,000 citizens living within the 72 square mile district.  Black Lake Fire Department, (Thurston County Fire Dist. 5), serves a population of over 9,000 people and covers an area of 12 square miles.  In addition, the department provides basic life support (BLS) transport services to the hospital for the citizens of Fire Districts 1,5,9 and 11.  Advanced Life Support services (ALS) are provided by Thurston County Medic One from one of five medic units located throughout Thurston County.  The department incorporates a unique blend of Career, Part-time, Station resident, Volunteer,and Students in our service delivery system.   The organization currently has its' membership comprised of 18 Full time response personnel, two administrative assistants,  12 Residents, 28 Volunteers, and 32 firefighters from the South Puget Sound Community College Instructional Program.

• Visit a fire station during normal business hours and you may have your blood pressure checked, pick up a burn permit, or tour the station and apparatus.

• The department offers education in fire safety, the use of fire extinguishers, evacuation planning, emergency preparedness, first aid/CPR, safety fairs, and public service announcements over local radio stations.

Career Personnel

The department employs 18 full-time employees.  Uniformed employees include 9 Lieutenants, three Captains, 3 Part-time firefighters, two Assistant Chiefs and Fire Chief.  Non-uniformed employees include an Executive Assistant and an Office Assistant..   Career Captains and Lieutenants work 24-hour shifts while providing supervision to a combination of resident, volunteer and student firefighters who stand duty in the stations.

Volunteer Firefighters

The Department currently has a contingent of 28 volunteer personnel.  Volunteer firefighters are on duty in the fire stations to provide assistance for major emergencies.

South Puget Sound Community College

Fire and Emergency Services Technology Degree Program

The Department contracts with the South Puget Sound Community College to operate the Fire and Emergency Services Technology program offered through the college.  This two-year degree program provides firefighters enrolled in the program with courses leading to an Associate of Technical Arts degree.  An integral part of the program is the fire-related experience requirement that requires enrolled firefighters to participate in a regular 24-hour shift rotation.   This valuable part of the Fire Protection Technology program is unique to the SPSCC/McLane - Black Lake Fire Department program, with no other fire program offering this hands-on experience in the State of  Washington.