Houston

๐Ÿ”ฅ

Fire Departments

Overview of fire stations and the fire prevention and emergency response resources in Houston.

Sections

Overview of the Houston Fire Department (HFD)

The Houston Fire Department (HFD) is the primary agency responsible for fire protection, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and disaster management in Houston, Texas. It is one of the largest fire departments in the United States, serving a population of over 2.3 million residents across 654 square miles.

HFD operates under the City of Houston and is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention, preparedness, and emergency response.

Key Services Provided by the Houston Fire Department

The HFD offers a wide range of services to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors. These include:

1. Fire Suppression

  • Responding to residential, commercial, and industrial fires.
  • Containing and extinguishing wildfires in urban and suburban areas.
  • Conducting fire investigations to determine the cause of fires.

2. Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

  • Providing pre-hospital emergency medical care and transportation to hospitals.
  • Operating Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances.
  • Responding to medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and accidents.

3. Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Response

  • Handling chemical spills, gas leaks, and other hazardous material incidents.
  • Ensuring public safety during industrial accidents or environmental hazards.

4. Technical Rescue

  • Conducting rescues in confined spaces, high-angle situations, and collapsed structures.
  • Assisting with water rescues during floods or other emergencies.

5. Fire Prevention and Education

  • Inspecting buildings for fire code compliance.
  • Issuing permits for fire alarms, sprinklers, and other fire safety systems.
  • Offering public education programs on fire safety and prevention.

6. Disaster Preparedness and Response

  • Coordinating with other agencies during natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
  • Assisting with evacuation and recovery efforts.

7. Community Outreach

  • Hosting fire station tours and safety demonstrations.
  • Providing free smoke alarm installations for qualifying residents.

Costs and Procedures for Accessing HFD Services

Most of the services provided by the Houston Fire Department are funded through city taxes and are free of charge for residents and visitors in emergency situations. However, there are some costs and procedures to be aware of:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fees

  • While fire suppression services are free, EMS services (ambulance transport) may incur fees.
  • The cost of ambulance transport depends on the level of care provided:
    • Basic Life Support (BLS): Approximately $1,000โ€“$1,200.
    • Advanced Life Support (ALS): Approximately $1,200โ€“$1,500.
  • Additional charges may apply for mileage (e.g., $16โ€“$18 per mile).
  • Residents with health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can often have these costs covered or reduced.

Fire Permits and Inspections

  • Businesses and property owners may need to pay fees for fire permits, inspections, and plan reviews.
  • Examples include:
    • Fire alarm system permits.
    • Fire sprinkler system permits.
    • Annual fire safety inspections for commercial properties.
  • Fees vary depending on the type and size of the property.

Smoke Alarm Installation

  • HFD offers free smoke alarm installations for residents who qualify (e.g., low-income households or elderly residents). You can request this service by contacting the department directly.

How to Access Services

  • Emergency Situations: Dial 911 for immediate assistance.
  • Non-Emergency Inquiries: Call the HFD non-emergency line at 713-884-3143.
  • Permits and Inspections: Visit the HFD website or contact the Fire Marshalโ€™s Office at 832-394-6900.

Notable Fire Stations in Houston

Houston has over 90 fire stations strategically located throughout the city. Some notable stations include:

Station 1 (Downtown)

  • Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
  • Known as the "Central Station," it serves the downtown area and is one of the busiest stations in the city.

Station 8 (Museum District)

  • Address: 1919 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002
  • Located near the Museum District, this station is known for its historical significance and proximity to cultural landmarks.

Station 68 (West Houston)

  • Address: 8602 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074
  • Serves the densely populated southwest area of Houston.

Station 104 (Bush Intercontinental Airport)

  • Address: 3100 Greens Rd, Houston, TX 77032
  • Specializes in aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) for George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Station 78 (Kingwood)

  • Address: 4102 W Lake Houston Pkwy, Kingwood, TX 77339
  • Serves the Kingwood area, which is prone to flooding during heavy rains.

Local Considerations

  1. Hurricane Preparedness

    • Houston is prone to hurricanes and flooding. The HFD plays a critical role in disaster response during these events. Residents should familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and emergency shelters.

  2. Fireworks and Open Burning

    • Fireworks are illegal within Houston city limits. Open burning (e.g., bonfires) is also prohibited without a permit. Violations can result in fines.

  3. Flooding Risks

    • Houston experiences frequent flooding due to its flat terrain and heavy rainfall. The HFD is equipped to handle water rescues, but residents should avoid driving through flooded areas and heed warnings during storms.

  4. Community Engagement

    • The HFD actively engages with the community through events like fire safety fairs and educational programs. These are great opportunities to learn about fire prevention and meet local firefighters.

  5. Language Accessibility

    • Houston is a diverse city, and the HFD provides services in multiple languages, including Spanish. If you require language assistance, inform the dispatcher when calling 911.

Contact Information

  • Emergency: Dial 911
  • Non-Emergency Line: 713-884-3143
  • Fire Marshalโ€™s Office: 832-394-6900
  • Website: Houston Fire Department

By understanding the services and procedures of the Houston Fire Department, you can ensure your safety and security while living in or visiting the city. If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask!