Needham Fire & Rescue/ Montgomery County ESD#4

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

08/29/2026

Needham Fire & Rescue/ Montgomery County ESD #4 is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain Jesus Castillo of Porter Fire Department following his courageous battle with cancer.

Captain Castillo’s impact on the Montgomery County fire service will not be forgotten. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself not only to serving his community, but also to developing the firefighters around him. Captain Castillo played a role in the training and development of many of our own employees, sharing his knowledge, experience, and leadership with the next generation of firefighters.

His influence will continue to be felt throughout our department and across Montgomery County through the firefighters he taught, mentored, and inspired.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Castillo family, and our brothers and sisters at Porter Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest easy, Captain Castillo. Your service, leadership, and impact will never be forgotten.

We have the watch from here

08/29/2026

Our department is incredibly proud of the members who have answered the call to assist with wildfire efforts across Texas.

These men and women have stepped away from their families, their homes, and their everyday responsibilities to stand alongside fellow firefighters and emergency personnel on the front lines. Their courage, dedication, and willingness to serve during these challenging conditions represent the very best of our department and the fire service.

Wildfires demand long hours, difficult conditions, and unwavering commitment. Our members continue to demonstrate that when Texans need help, we show up — ready to serve, protect, and support our communities.

To our members working these incidents: thank you for your sacrifice, your professionalism, and your dedication to the people of Texas. We are proud of each and every one of you.

Stay safe, stay strong, and know that your department and your families are behind you every step of the way. ❤️‍🔥

Proud to serve. Proud to stand together. Proud to be Texas firefighters.

08/28/2026

Happy Birthday to Kathy Clark, Montgomery County ESD 4 Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer!

08/27/2026

Happy Birthday to Mark Abbey, Montgomery County ESD 4 Secretary!

08/26/2026

Summer Fire Season is Underway Across Much of Texas

Montgomery County Firefighters are on the fire lines across the State. Here in Montgomery County, the number of wildfires has remained relatively low, with the few that have broken out being quickly extinguished by a combined effort between local Firefighters and the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Residents are reminded that outdoor burning in Texas is generally illegal under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules unless it meets specific state exceptions.

In Montgomery County, the burning of household trash in or around subdivisions and on less than 5 acres of land is always prohibited. This year-round restriction eliminates one of the most common wildfire causes. At this time, the only legal burning allowed is the burning of limbs and leaves gathered by a resident on their own property. While this type of burning is currently legal in unincorporated areas, residents are asked to refrain from burning until conditions improve. Residents in Municipal areas and The Woodlands Township are bound by local regulations that are often more restrictive than those for other unincorporated areas of the County.

The following is a summary of burning prohibitions in effect at all times in Montgomery County;

• Residential Trash Burning – Class C Misdemeanor up to a $500 fine

• Burning of any kind on commercial property – Fines and Jail Time dependent on size and nature

• Surface Burning of Land Clearing Debris – Escalating fines starting at $1000 per occurrence

• Illegal Dumping/Disposal by Fire – Subject to arrest, escalating quickly

08/26/2026

💧 Thank You, Tractor Supply! 🚒

A huge THANK YOU to Tractor Supply Co. for the generous donation of bottled water for our crews!

Staying hydrated is especially important for our firefighters while working in the Texas heat, whether responding to emergencies, training, or working long incidents. Donations like this help keep our crews hydrated and ready to serve.

We truly appreciate Tractor Supply for supporting our firefighters!