The Houston Fire Department was established in 1838 with one station, Protection Company No. 1. It grew to a volunteer fire department status with three stations by 1859.
After having provided volunteer firefighting services for 57 years, the City of Houston Fire Department began paying its firefighters in 1895. HFD is the fourth largest fire department in the United States and is responsible for preserving life and property to a population of more than 2 million in an area totaling 617 square miles.
Today's modern fire service is presently undergoing a transitional process. Over the last few years, HFD has evolved into a highly sophisticated public safety rescue system that has saved hundreds of lives and reduced the severity of countless injuries and illnesses. The Houston Fire Department has a vision that guides the organization towards excellence. That goal is achieved through deliberate planning, adaptability and the courage to embrace challenges and opportunities.
Vision Statement
The Houston Fire Department is committed to providing a superior level of emergency service that continually improves the quality of life, health and safety of the people we serve--the citizens of Houston.
Mission Statement
We are committed to a superior emergency service organization, which continually improves the quality of service delivered to our customers, the citizens of Houston.
Motto
Serving the Houston Community with Courage, Commitment and Compassion
Core Values
Excellence - Striving for constant improvement to better serve the community and each other.
Safety - The preservation of life remains the number one goal of the HFD beginning with the Responder and extending to the public.
Valor - Courageously encountering adversity, accepting responsibility for ones actions, and providing respectful and professional conduct due the public and our members.
Integrity - Always doing what is right even when it’s difficult or unpopular so that what we do individually and as an organization will stand up to public scrutiny.
Dedication - Wholly committed to the mission and vision of our department. The faithful observance of duty beckons us to fulfill our obligations professionally and honestly.
The Houston Fire Department aspires to become a model department, setting standards for fire departments around the country. In 1998, the department prioritized the accomplishments necessary to achieve this elite status. Among its goals, HFD focused on the Insurance Service Office rating, a primary element used by the insurance industry to develop premium rates for homes and businesses.
On a relative scale of 1 - 10, the ISO measures the capabilities of a fire department to control fires, thus limiting fire losses. The ISO raised the rating to a class 1 in 2002, effective April 1, 2003. Additionally, the HFD has taken steps to become accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International - a self assessment graded by peers. As of March 24, 2001, the HFD became the world's largest accredited fire department. These goals cannot be accomplished without the department's commitment to provide up-to-date gear, equipment, apparatus and to replace or upgrade inadequate fire stations.
HFD Key Goals and Objectives
The Houston Fire Department has identified seven key goal areas. The Strategic Plan includes specific objectives for achieving each of the stated goals. Each objective has a plan of action to enable the completion of the objective and ultimately the goal. It is the intent of the Houston Fire Department to have all personnel, collectively and individually contribute to the accomplishment of these goals. Collectively, with a clear vision we can improve and enhance the services we provide to both our members and the public we have sworn to protect.
Goal 1.0 - Enhance the health and safety of HFD members
Goal 2.0 - Improve fire prevention and public safety awareness
Goal 3.0 - Improve emergency response operations
Goal 4.0 - Strengthen management and leadership skills
Goal 5.0 - Embrace diversity
Goal 6.0 - Ensure capital assets fulfill the needs of the department’s personnel and the customer served
Goal 7.0 - Strengthen and reinforce a positive public perception of the department
Goal 8.0 - Implement best business practices to increase organizational effectiveness, accountability and communications
Currently, the Houston Fire Department has (units per shift):
as of September 2008
90 Fire Stations
86 Engines
37 Trucks (Ladders/Towers)
6 Haz-Mat Units
8 Rescue Units
4 Breathing Air Units
18 Airport Rescue Units
25 Medics
57 Ambulances
11 Boosters
2 Special Event EMS Units
22 District Chief Vehicles
1 Shift Commander
19 Squads
3 Safety Units
10 Evacuation Boats
5 Rescue Boats
(not all units listed)
As of September 29, 2009, the Fire Department has 3931 Classified Members (Firefighters), 84 fire trainees and 264 Non-Classified Members(Non-Firefighters).
The current, Houston Fire Department FY10 budget is $ 433,137,801
The Houston Fire Department aspires to become a model department, setting standards for fire departments around the country. In 1998, the department prioritized the accomplishments necessary to achieve this elite status. Among its goals, HFD focused on the 