Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2

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🔥🚒 ROSS FIRE UPDATEFirefighter/Paramedic Jeremy Arrington and Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Wade from Denton County Emergen...
08/29/2026

🔥🚒 ROSS FIRE UPDATE

Firefighter/Paramedic Jeremy Arrington and Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Wade from Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 remain deployed to the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties, joining hundreds of firefighters and emergency responders from across Texas on the fireground.

As of 8.30.26 at 8am:

🔥 85,003 acres
🚒 26% contained

It ranks as the second-largest wildfire recorded in North Texas history, only behind the 2011 Possum Kingdom Complex fire, which burned 126,734 acres.

Extreme heat and challenging conditions have continued to produce rekindles throughout the fire area, requiring firefighters to remain vigilant and respond quickly to protect lives and property.

Texas A&M Forest Service’s damage assessment documents the significant impact of this fire so far:

- 157 structures have been destroyed
- 43 have sustained major damage
- 97 have sustained minor damage

But there is another number that deserves recognition:

🛡️ 453 STRUCTURES SAVED

Behind that number are countless hours of hard work, difficult decisions, long shifts and firefighters putting themselves between the fire and the communities they serve.

We are proud of the Denton County ESD No. 1 personnel who have answered the call and are working alongside firefighters from across Texas, including Texas A&M Forest Service, TIFMAS and numerous mutual-aid partners.

Stay safe out there. ❤️‍🔥

Meet Peter Malik - our Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 2025 Volunteer of the Year!On June 20, 2026, ...
08/28/2026

Meet Peter Malik - our Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 2025 Volunteer of the Year!

On June 20, 2026, Malik - aka "the Colonel" celebrated 5 years with Denton County ESD 1 and at the end of this month will be celebrating a cumulative total of 12 years in the fire service, which originally started in the small town of Guttenberg, New Jersey.

Malik comes from a First Responder family that was split between fire and police service. On the fire department side, the Malik family has over 80 years cumulative service between paid and volunteer positions, holding positions from Engineer through Chief of the Department.

Malik had always wanted to be a fireman as early as he can remember. In 1981, at the age of 16, he was nominated as a “Runner” for Washington Hose Company No 1 in Guttenberg, NJ. As a “Runner”, individuals were selected based on their willingness to volunteer and aspire to become a firefighter in that department. They did not perform any firefighting duties at the scene, but after the fire was out, they assisted in packing hose, cleaning and drying out equipment, and maintaining the station areas. This gave him the experience needed before he was sworn in as a firefighter in 1983 at the age of 18. This was an exciting time in fire service that was referred to as the War Years from the 60’s to the 90’s. It was called this because of the unprecedented wave of structural fires, arsons, and social decay that made some city streets look like war zones.

After working in New Jersey, Malik wanted to experience a bigger department in the south and moved to Texas. He was hoping to join the Dallas Fire Rescue, but they were not hiring that year so he joined the Dallas Police Department, and eventually retired in 2016.

When asked why Malik joined Denton County ESD 1, Malik says he has "always loved helping others, making them smile or making their life easier. I always maintained my knowledge of the fire service and never let it lapse. After retirement in 2016, I still had the thirst for helping others, so I joined the Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department in 2020 for a short time before transferring over to Denton County ESD1."

"My favorite part of volunteering is “training young firemen to become old firemen." Teaching them how to become a team player and allowing them to think on their own and grow in the service. They are the future of our department, and it is thoroughly enjoyable to watch these young firemen mature and move up.
I also love the EMS side. Imagine calling 911 and having 6 strangers come into your home. It can easily cause anxiety and emotional drain the spouse or family member. It is so rewarding to help put these citizens at ease, knowing they are getting the best care possible."

As a volunteer, Malik's tasks include:
-Defensive Driving Instructor – Beyond the Cones (Fire Version)
-FIT Driver for Battalion Chief “C Shift”
-Honor Guard Member
-Medic and Brush Truck Driver/Operator
-Fire Truck Santa

Thank you, Pete, for the time and energy that our pour into our fire family and community - we are lucky to have you!

🐾 Happy National Dog Day from Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2! 🐾Today, we’re celebrating a very spec...
08/26/2026

🐾 Happy National Dog Day from Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2! 🐾

Today, we’re celebrating a very special member of our firehouse family — Bear! 🐕‍🦺❤️

Bear is a rescue who found his forever home right here at the station, where he lives 24/7 with our crews.

Firehouse dogs have a long and proud history. Dating back to the days of horse-drawn fire apparatus, Dalmatians were often kept with fire crews because they could run alongside the horses, help clear the way, and keep the horses calm during the chaos of an emergency. Even after fire engines replaced horses, the tradition of the firehouse dog continued.

Today, their role may look different, but their impact can be just as meaningful. Firefighters experience stressful calls, long shifts, difficult scenes, and the emotional weight that comes with serving their community. A firehouse dog like Bear provides companionship, a reason to smile, and a comforting presence after a tough call. Research and real-world experiences with therapy and comfort dogs have shown how these four-legged friends can help first responders cope with difficult experiences and reconnect with a sense of normalcy.

For our crew, Bear is more than a mascot. He’s part of the family. He greets us when we come back from calls, keeps us company during long shifts, and reminds us that sometimes the best medicine after a hard day is a wagging tail and a wet nose.

So today, give your own four-legged family member an extra treat, an extra scratch behind the ears, and maybe a little more time on the couch.

And from all of us at Denton County ESD #1: Happy National Dog Day, Bear! 🐾🚒❤️

We are proud to support our partners and communities across Texas during these challenging fire conditions.Denton County...
08/25/2026

We are proud to support our partners and communities across Texas during these challenging fire conditions.

Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 are sending Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Wade as a Strike Team Leader with EMTF, in support of the state’s request for mobilization.

Additionally, we have joined with members in partnership with Flower Mound Fire Department to provide a Wildland Paramedic Unit (WPU), with Firefighter/Paramedic Jeremy Arrington serving on the deployment.

Both of our members are being deployed to support where active and potentially high fire conditions are creating an increased need for resources.

We are proud of Wade and Arrington for answering the call and representing Denton County ESD. Their commitment to serving wherever they are needed is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our entire organization.

Please join us in wishing them a safe deployment.

This morning, the Denton County Commissioners Court approved a COUNTY-WIDE BURN BAN effective today, 8.25.26.The burn ba...
08/25/2026

This morning, the Denton County Commissioners Court approved a COUNTY-WIDE BURN BAN effective today, 8.25.26.

The burn ban will remain in effect until the State of Disaster is terminated by Denton County Commissioners Court or the County Judge determines that drought conditions have reduced due to sufficient precipitation.

The following regulations are now in effect:

OUTDOOR BURNING (BURN BAN)
Burning of combustible material outdoors or knowingly and willingly allowing the burning of a combustible material outdoors on private property or in any outdoor environment by any person is prohibited.

OPEN BURNING OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
- Combustible materials include but are not limited to; wood, lumber, leaves, brush, or materials used in activities such as welding and other activities that could result in a fire.
- Knowingly or recklessly discarding lighted or burning materials.
- Exceptions to the burn ban may only be authorized by the Denton County Commissioners Court or County Judge.
- Professional Fireworks displays using 1.3G fireworks will only be authorized by permit if conditions and locations are appropriate. 1.4G recreational use of fireworks are NOT banned due to statutory limitations but are highly discouraged.
- This Ban/Order does NOT limit the authority granted under other state statutory regulations including reckless damage of property. Damage to property resulting from reckless conduct of outdoor burning or discharge of fireworks could result in further violations of Texas Statutes.

OUTDOOR COOKING
- All outdoor cooking or open flame devices are prohibited. (Unless the cooking device is propane or natural gas and has a complete and full enclosure that is utilized at all times.)
- Unless the cooking device is wood or charcoal and has a complete and full enclosure that is utilized, and all areas around the cooking device shall be clear of vegetation and/or combustible materials or debris for a 5’ radius.

OPEN HOTWORK
Where welding must be performed in the field, the following mitigating efforts will be in force until the fire emergency declaration has expired.
- All areas where welding, cutting or grinding operations are being performed will be free of vegetation and/or combustibles for at least thirty feet in all directions;
- Winds speed must be no more than 15 miles per hour while performing welding, cutting or grinding operations outside of approved barriers or enclosures;
- Relative humidity must be above 25%;
- Each site will have the ability to call 911 for emergency response;
- A dedicated fire watch person will attend each welder, cutter, grinder or any activity that causes a spark;
- A minimum of one (1) water pressure fire extinguisher or pressurized water source per fire watch person is required.

If an emergency exists where welding must be performed, the Fire Marshal may issue a temporary exception to the order.

ENCLOSED HOTWORK
- All welding, cutting and grinding operations may be performed in a total welding enclosure, or “welding box”, that is sufficiently high to control sparks and includes a fire-retardant cover over the top;
- All areas where welding, cutting or grinding operations are being performed will be free of vegetation and/or combustibles for at least twenty feet in all directions;
- Winds speed must be no more than 22 miles per hour while performing welding, cutting or grinding operations;
Relative humidity must be above 20%;
- Each site will have the ability to call 911 for emergency response;
- A dedicated fire watch person will attend each welder, cutter, grinder or any activity that causes a spark;
- A minimum of one (1) water pressure fire extinguisher or pressurized water source per fire watch person is required.
- Where welding (above ground and sub-surface) is required in an area where there is a potential for a hazardous atmosphere, barriers will be substituted for total enclosures (e.g. “wind walls”) to prevent sparks from encountering any combustible material and/or vegetation.
- The barriers will be installed to allow ventilation of the work area and ingress and egress to the work area for personnel safety.
- Sub-surface, or “bell hole”, welding and grinding operations within approved excavations are allowed if all other “enclosed” mitigation efforts are in compliance.

If an emergency exists where welding must be performed, the Fire Marshal may issue a temporary exception to the order.

In accordance with Government Code 418.173, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this order commits a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.00.

Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 is proud to present our July call data— which was also a record-brea...
08/18/2026

Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 is proud to present our July call data— which was also a record-breaking month 🚒🚑

📊 473 total calls in July

That’s:
⬆️ 113 more calls than the month before (June calls = 360)
⬆️ 124 more calls than the year before (July 2025 calls = 349)
📈The most calls in the history of Denton County ESD 1
🔔 The first time our district has surpassed 400 calls in a single month

July 1 also marked the opening of Station 512, expanding our ability to serve the growing communities of Denton County ESD 1.

Of July’s 473 calls:
🚑 60% were EMS-related
🔥 40% were fire-related

These numbers reflect the continued growth of our community and the increasing demand for emergency services.

We’re incredibly grateful to our firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and law enforcement partners who supported Denton County ESD 1 throughout this record-breaking month. Most importantly, thank you to our residents for your continued trust and support.

One team. Ready to serve.

🔥 Grass Fire – I-35W & FM 407At approximately 8:04 a.m. today, Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 were ...
08/14/2026

🔥 Grass Fire – I-35W & FM 407

At approximately 8:04 a.m. today, Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 were dispatched to a grass fire near the 76-mile marker of I-35W, at the northeast corner of FM 407 and I-35W in Argyle.

Firefighters worked quickly and had the fire extinguished by 8:38 a.m. The fire burned approximately 20 acres and the cause is currently unknown.

Thank you to Justin Fire Dept. - we appreciate the teamwork to protect our community!

As a reminder: Denton County is currently under an elevated fire risk and no outdoor burning is allowed today. Please do not burn brush, trash, leaves, or other combustible materials.

Please help prevent wildfires:
• Do not burn outdoors or start open flames.
• Avoid activities that can create sparks, including welding and grinding.
• Never throw ci******es or other burning materials from a vehicle.
• Secure trailer chains and make sure vehicles are not dragging metal on the roadway.
• Keep vehicles and equipment away from dry grass whenever possible.
• If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately and provide the location as accurately as possible.

🔥 One spark can turn into a 20-acre fire. Please help us protect our community and our firefighters.

8.14.26 at 8:04am | Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 is currently on scene of a grass fire near the 7...
08/14/2026

8.14.26 at 8:04am | Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 is currently on scene of a grass fire near the 76 mile marker of I-35W at the northeast corner of 407 and I-35W in the Town of Argyle. Please avoid the area to allow first responders to work safely.

Argyle Police Department

📌Join us this Thursday, August 13 for our monthly Board Meetings of ESD 1 & 2 at Station 511 🚒🚑
08/10/2026

📌Join us this Thursday, August 13 for our monthly Board Meetings of ESD 1 & 2 at Station 511 🚒🚑

Address

Fire Administration/511 S Gibbons Road
Argyle, TX
76226

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