Houston Fire Department
About The Houston Fire Department
A Tradition of Togetherness
The Houston Fire Department’s vision is to provide world‑class service that address the ever-evolving scope of hazards and risks by ensuring the safety and support of both its members and the diverse community it serves.
Houston is a city defined by resilience. From summer storms to neighborhood emergencies, we stand together. And at the center of that strength is the Houston Fire Department. Since 1838, we have grown with our city becoming the largest fire department in Texas and a global model for excellence, innovation, and unwavering service.
When you see the red trucks, you see more than a fleet, you see your neighbors, your medics, your firefighters. You see a team united by a simple conviction: in Houston, no one faces hardship alone. Every day, we protect 2.3 million residents across 654 square miles with one mission—saving lives, protecting property, and serving our community with courage, commitment, and compassion.
A Message from Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz
The Houston Fire Department stands on a foundation built by generations of men and women who demonstrated courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering dedication to duty. Their legacy has shaped this Department into one of the finest in the nation. We honor that legacy not only by preserving it, but by advancing it, serving our community with distinction, and leading with integrity.
Our Promise: Courage, Commitment, Compassion
Our mission is to save lives, protect property, and serve our community. Under the 2026 through 2031 Strategic Plan, we are focused on a "unity of effort" to ensure that every department resource is directed toward a safer, more resilient Houston for everyone. We do not just react to emergencies; we work every day to prevent them through education and community outreach.
HFD by the Numbers: What it Means for You
- 94 Stations Standing Ready: Strategically located so that in your moment of need, help is never far away.
- More than 4,000 Dedicated Professionals: A diverse team of firefighters, paramedics, and investigators who reflect the vibrant culture of the Bayou City.
- 403,948 Annual Calls for Help: We answer an emergency call roughly every 78 seconds, providing a constant safety net for our families.
- ISO Class 1 Rating and CFAI Accredited: HFD is the largest fire department in the world to hold this elite dual status. Because we maintain this standard, many Houstonians enjoy lower homeowners' insurance premiums. We encourage you to check with your provider to see if this rating lowers your rate.
Did You Know? Why the Big Truck Shows Up
About 80 percent of our calls are medical. Often, a fire engine or ladder truck will arrive at your home alongside or even before an ambulance. This is because our fire trucks are staffed with trained paramedics and equipped with life-saving gear. We send the closest available unit to ensure help reaches you in the fastest time possible.
How We Protect You Every Day
Modern safety is a collaboration between the department and the community. We have expanded our services to meet the specific needs of our diverse neighborhoods through specialized care and proactive planning.
Emergency Medical Care and Innovation: We operate over 100 ambulances and transport units staffed by highly trained paramedics. We also use new Telehealth technology to connect patients with doctors instantly. By getting the right care to the right place, we ensure our emergency rooms stay ready for those who need them most.
Specialized Rescue Teams: Houston faces unique challenges. From Swift Water Rescue during our wettest seasons to high-rise technical teams, HFD is equipped for the unique landscape of our city. We train relentlessly so that when the unexpected happens, Houston remains standing.
Prevention and Community Risk Reduction: We would rather prevent a fire than fight one. We offer free smoke alarm installations for residents, safety inspections for local businesses, and public education programs for schools. Taking simple steps, like closing your bedroom door before you go to sleep, can significantly slow the spread of fire and save lives.
Accessibility and Inclusive Safety
A strong Houston is an inclusive Houston. Modern public safety must be accessible to everyone, and we offer specialized resources to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors are never left behind.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources: Traditional smoke alarms may not be enough. We provide free visual fire alarms featuring powerful strobe lights and vibrating pillow pads for residents with hearing loss. These are provided and installed at no cost to you.
Request a Visual Smoke Alarm or contact the Office for People with Disabilities (OPD) at 832-394-0814.
Autism and Sensory Awareness: Our first responders are now Autism Certified. This specialized training helps our crews understand how to support individuals with sensory processing or communication challenges during an emergency. We work to minimize stress and ensure a patient-centered, compassionate approach for every resident.
The STEAR Registry: If you or a loved one has a disability, limited mobility, or is medically fragile, please register for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). This confidential list allows HFD and emergency planners to know exactly where you are and what specific assistance you might need during a disaster or evacuation.
Who Should I Call?
Navigating city services should be easy. Use this guide to get the help you need without the red tape:
- Life-Threatening Emergencies: Call 911.
- Non-Emergency City Services: Call 311 or visit Houston 311 Online.
- Request a Fire Report: Use the GovQA Portal through the HFD Records Division.
- Report a Safety Hazard: Contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 832-394-6900.
- Register for Disaster Assistance: Sign up via the STEAR Program>>>
Our History
We started in 1838 with a single volunteer station called Protection Company No. 1. By 1895, we became a professional, paid department. We have grown alongside the city of Houston, but our core values have never changed. We still show up with the same bravery and dedication that our founders did nearly two centuries ago. Read More >>>
How Can We Help You?
See our 2026-2031 Strategic Plan: Learn how we are building a safer future for Houston.
Find Your Local Station: Locate the fire station and crews serving your specific neighborhood.
Request a Free Smoke Alarm: We will come to your home and install one for free through Get Alarmed Houston.
Join the HFD Team: Start your career serving the city you love.
Stay Informed: Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, or Facebook for real-time safety alerts and community stories.
Together, we are Houston Strong.
Contact HFD
Houston Fire Department500 Jefferson, Suite 1700
Houston, TX 77002
Email: HFDPubInfo@houstontx.gov
