146 Years of Fighting Fires in Black Diamond

Black Diamond is marking 146 years of firefighting history while facing a critical service decision. On August 4, 2026, voters will decide whether to annex into the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority—a move Maple Valley and other nearby communities have already made. If approved, the regional authority would take over fire and EMS services starting January 1, 2028, with new property taxes funding the transition and allowing full staffing of Black Diamond’s Lawson Hills station.