Henly Volunteer Fire Department

03/03/2025

⚠️🔥I have not seen a wildfire threat like this for Central Texas in many years. The folks at the Storm Prediction Center haven't either.

In their words: "Dangerous, potentially historic, fire-weather conditions are likely over portions of the Edwards Plateau and south Texas Plain Tuesday"

Folks, this is as bad as it gets around here. Tomorrow (Tuesday) comes with an EXTREME WILDFIRE RISK behind a Pacific cold front.
🔹Wind gusts up to 50 mph with extremely low humidity
🔹Extreme drought conditions in place
🔹Dormant fuels following hard winter freezes

If a fire starts, it will spread extremely fast and be nearly impossible to control until weather conditions improve. It is imperative that you do not engage in any activities that could spark a fire inadvertantly. Trailer chains, ci******es, grill, BBQ, anything that could throw a spark could turn into an outright disaster for you and your neighbors.

Be vigilant, don't hesitate to call 911 if you see flames or smoke. Tomorrow afternoon and evening is the worst of it.

11/02/2024

Nov. 16 BBQ. Y'ALL COME.

07/12/2023

BURN BAN NOW IN EFFECT

Hays County reinstated the burn ban this morning during the Commissioners Court meeting. The ban will be in place for 90 days and will then be reevaluated.

https://hayscountytx.com/2023/07/11/hays-county-reinstates-burn-ban/

South Hays Fire Department
North Hays County Fire Rescue
Kyle Fire Department/Hays County ESD No. 5
Buda Fire Department
City of San Marcos TX - City Hall
Wimberley Fire Rescue

10/19/2022

09/27/2022

FROM THE HAYS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL: The Hays County Burn Ban was reinstated this morning by the Commissioners Court per a recommendation by the fire marshal. The ban will remain in effect for 90 days unless lifted by the court members.

Factors and indices used by the fire marshal led to this recommendation. View some of the resources used by the Fire Marshal in making recommendations:

Texas Drought Monitor
Fire Danger - Texas Forecast Fire Danger
Weather Forecasts
Fire Weather Avalanche

Visit the Fire Marshal's web page to learn more:
https://hcfmo.com/

08/23/2022

*PLEASE SHARE*
Looking for a job, come work with us. Updated pay rate (pending approval of Commissioners Court and effective 10-1-22). This is a 21.5% increase in current pay rate. If interested, give us a call or email for further information. *PLEASE SHARE*

06/22/2022

We received some questions about burn bans and fireworks. Here is some clarification:

Hays County is under a burn ban. This means outdoor burning (such as burning brush/household debris and bonfires) is not allowed.

How does that relate to the sale and use of fireworks? Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus explains:

"Outdoor burning is prohibited under the burn ban," he said. "The Hays County Commissioners Court recently voted to ban the sale of two types of fireworks during the 2022 July 4th holiday season: 'skyrockets with sticks' and 'missiles with fins' because drought conditions exist."

Essentially this means that fireworks, other than those restricted as noted above, can be sold and used, even during the burn ban. Sparklers are approved for sale and use.

Wobus strongly urges residents who light fireworks to utilize extreme caution.

"Have a water source nearby in case it's needed," he said. "Pay attention to where the fireworks go and where the debris lands. Our conditions are dry so be extra cautious."

He added that many municipalities have their own ordinances regarding the sale and use of fireworks.

"Be sure to follow the rules where you live," Wobus said.

Definitions of restricted fireworks in Hays County during the July 4 season:

A skyrocket is a type of firework that uses a solid-fuel rocket to rise quickly into the sky; a bottle rocket is a small skyrocket. At the apex of its ascent, it is usual for a variety of effects (stars, bangs, crackles, etc.) to be emitted. Skyrockets use various stabilization techniques to ensure the flight follows a predictable course, often a long stick attached to the side of the motor, but also including spin-stabilization or fins.

A missile is a sky rocket that doesn't use a stick for guidance but instead, it may rotate to give it some stability as it lifts off, may use fins as stabilizers, or may be shot from a tube.

See the item from the Hays County Commissioner Court agenda about the restriction of the sale of certain types of fireworks:

https://destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=42972&mt=ALL&get_month=6&get_year=2022&dsp=agm&seq=64&rev=0&ag=2&ln=756&nseq=65&nrev=0&pseq=41&prev=0

06/17/2022

Last month, experts from Texas A&M Forest Service hosted a virtual workshop discussing the current situation across the state, home preparedness, wildfire prevention, and evacuation planning. Now, you can watch the webinar at your convenience by following this link: https://youtu.be/H8k-Rla_o9U