Preparing for Wildfires | Fire Department Programs

PREPARING FOR WILDFIRES

Prevent Wildfires

+Prepare for Wildfires

+Wildland Urban Interface

-Fire Department Programs

+Planning & Preparation

We are committed to serving you.
A message from the department head regarding COVID-19

Local firefighters are our first line of defense against disasters. Texas A&M Forest Service capacity building programs have awarded over $238 million in grants to Texas fire departments including training for 72,695 firefighters. Learn more about how these programs are working to build the capacity of the Texas fire service by visiting the link below to view a short video.

Eligible fire departments can receive valuable assistance through programs offered by the Capacity Building Department. These programs enhance the ability of firefighters to protect themselves and the public from fire and related hazards.
We are proud to serve Texas fire departments and encourage participation in our many programs.
Fire Department Programs Summary
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+ Volunteer

The primary goal of the VFD Assistance Programs is to enhance the emergency response capabilities of volunteer and combination fire departments with 20 or fewer paid members.

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+ Career

Career fire department assistance programs enhance the emergency response capabilities of fully paid and combination departments with 21 or more paid members.

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+ Wildfire & Incident Management Training

Texas A&M Forest Service provides nationally accredited wildfire and emergency management training throughout Texas to local, state and federal organizations. Training opportunities are offered that accommodate as few as one firefighter to an entire host organization or to multiple organizations. TFS training is coordinated by the Incident Response Department Training Section and delivered by qualified and experienced TFS staff.

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+ Connect with your Local Field Representative

TFS Regional Fire Coordinators
+ Quicklinks
Fire Department Directory (FDD)

The Fire Department Directory Web application provides users with a comprehensive listing of fire departments and their resources within the state of Texas. It provides fire departments with the opportunity to submit fire reports, and the ability to follow activity within the fire department assistance programs.
Primary Protection Area Reporting
Burn Ban Flags Available for Purchase
NIMS Adoption / Compliance
USFA/FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS)
Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TICC)
TFS Regional Fire Coordinators (RFC)
Attack From the Black Training Video
Death and Disability Benefits for Firefighters
Advisory Councils
Roscommon Equipment Center
State Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Association of Texas
Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Texas Division of Emergency Management
Texas Engineering Extension Service
Texas Secretary of State
United States Department of Agriculture (Rural Development)
Texas Facility Commission

RELATED INFORMATION

PREVENT WILDFIRES

TEXAS BURN BANS

FIRE DANGER

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC)

TWPP OPEN FOR COMMENTS

Texas A&M Forest Service is in the process of updating the Texas Wildfire Protection Plan. The plan and supporting documents are currently posted online and available for public comment through March 6, 2020.

CAREERS

Texas A&M Forest Service offers careers that can take you anywhere from a wildfire line defending lives and homes, to a forest protecting and conserving Texas natural resources to a computer working on a new application to create solutions for Texans across the state.

COMMENTS REQUESTED: FOREST ACTION PLAN UPDATE

Texas A&M Forest Service is currently updating the Texas Forest Action Plan and is requesting comments to consider during its development. Please share your thoughts by clicking the image.

NEWSROOM

Coronavirus Update

As state agencies prepare for Coronavirus, Texas A&M Forest Service is working to ensure the safety of and service to the people of Texas.

We are adjusting work schedules and locations for our employees based on essential duties, wildfire risk and risk of Coronavirus contact and spread.

Michael Bennett arrested in timber theft investigation
Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement investigators arrested James Michael “Mike” Bennett of Cleveland, Texas for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud on Feb. 13, 2020 in Montgomery County. Bennett, 55, was charged with a state jail felony as the timber was valued between $500 and $20,000.

Arrest made in Cherokee County timber theft investigation
Troy Lee Grice, 48, of Groveton, Texas was arrested Feb. 16, 2020 in Cherokee County for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud. The timber is valued between $100,000 and $200,000, making the crime a second degree felony.

TWPP OPEN FOR COMMENTS

CAREERS

COMMENTS REQUESTED: FOREST ACTION PLAN UPDATE

Texas A&M Forest Service is currently updating the Texas Forest Action Plan and is requesting comments to consider during its development. Please share your thoughts by clicking the image.

NEWSROOM

3/12/2020 2:40:00 PM
Coronavirus Update

As state agencies prepare for Coronavirus, Texas A&M Forest Service is working to ensure the safety of and service to the people of Texas.

We are adjusting work schedules and locations for our employees based on essential duties, wildfire risk and risk of Coronavirus contact and spread.

2/24/2020 4:15:00 PM
Michael Bennett arrested in timber theft investigation
Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement investigators arrested James Michael “Mike” Bennett of Cleveland, Texas for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud on Feb. 13, 2020 in Montgomery County. Bennett, 55, was charged with a state jail felony as the timber was valued between $500 and $20,000.

2/23/2020 3:55:00 PM
Arrest made in Cherokee County timber theft investigation
Troy Lee Grice, 48, of Groveton, Texas was arrested Feb. 16, 2020 in Cherokee County for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud. The timber is valued between $100,000 and $200,000, making the crime a second degree felony.

TWPP OPEN FOR COMMENTS

CAREERS

COMMENTS REQUESTED: FOREST ACTION PLAN UPDATE

NEWSROOM

TWPP OPEN FOR COMMENTS

CAREERS

COMMENTS REQUESTED: FOREST ACTION PLAN UPDATE

TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE

TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE