Simpsonville Volunteer Fire Department

09/04/2026

🇺🇸 HONORING THE FALLEN — 25 YEARS LATER 🇺🇸

Please join Harmony VFD on Saturday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m. for a commemorative stair climb at the Harmony High School Football Field as we honor the 343 firefighters and all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Following the stair climb, everyone is invited to join us for dinner at the Harmony Fire Station, located at 1189 Jaguar Road in Big Sandy.

Whether you participate in the climb or simply come to show your support, we invite our community to stand with us as we remember their courage, sacrifice, and service.

We climb because they climbed. We remember because they gave everything.

🇺🇸 Never Forget.

08/31/2026

FIRE DANGER IS UP — LET’S KEEP THE FIRES DOWN.

Upshur County is dry and ready to burn. One dragging chain, mower blade, cigarette, or spark can turn into a wildfire quickly.

Use caution. Check your equipment. Avoid burning.

See smoke or fire? Call 911.

One spark is all it takes.

08/21/2026

08/16/2026

Continued dry and hot conditions will be very favorable for fire starts and spreads through the remainder of this weekend. Continue to follow burn guidance from local officials, as several counties/parishes are under burn bans.

08/15/2026

I want to give a huge Thank You to Jaci Clemens with CUTX of Gilmer for their supporting of the firefighters and first responders not just in Upshur County today!!!

We had Simpsonville VFD, Gilmer FD, Bettie VFD and Ewell VFD along with assistance from Texas A&M Forest Service and a TIFMAS Engine Crew and a EMTF team all to help battle a large 40+ acre wildland fire for several long hours, Jaci and the CUTX team stepped up tremendously and provided dinner for the firefighters working the incident.

It’s support like this that means more than people realize. Knowing our community has people and businesses out there willing to step in and help these volunteers is absolutely amazing, and is truly appreciated by us.

Reminder - Upshur County is still under a Burn Ban! If you see someone burning or even a small fire on the side of the road, call it in!! The fire conditions are extremely probable for a wildland fire to spread quick!!
Gilmer Fire-Rescue CUTX Gilmer Bettie Volunteer Fire Department Ewell Texas VFD Texas A&M Forest Service Upshur County Emergency Services District #1 Upshur County Emergency Management

08/12/2026

🔥 UPSHUR COUNTY FIRE WEATHER UPDATE

Hot and dry conditions continue across Upshur County this week, and fire potential is expected to increase as we move toward the weekend. The greatest concern is expected Sunday into Monday as continued heat and drying conditions increase the chance for fires to start and spread.

🚫 A BURN BAN IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT FOR UPSHUR COUNTY.
Please help protect our community and our firefighters:
Avoid all outdoor burning and activities that could create sparks.
Never throw ci******es from a vehicle.
Avoid parking or driving through tall, dry grass.
Secure trailer chains so they cannot drag and create sparks.
Report wildfires immediately.
Stay aware of changing weather and fire conditions.

🚒 YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteer Fire Departments across our area depend on neighbors willing to serve their neighbors. Simpsonville Fire Department is recruiting new members. You don't have to arrive with years of experience—we need dependable people willing to learn, train, work as a team, and serve their community.
Whether you're interested in firefighting, emergency response, or supporting the department through the Simpsonville Fire Department Auxiliary, there may be a place for you.

🔥 One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
🚒 One More Volunteer Can Make a Difference.

Be careful. Be alert. Protect our community.
Weather information: National Weather Service Shreveport Fire Weather Forecast, with fire-danger information from Texas A&M Forest Service.

08/07/2026

🔥 UPSHUR COUNTY FIRE DANGER ALERT 🔥

A Burn Ban is currently in effect for Upshur County. We ask everyone to do their part to help prevent the next wildfire. With extreme heat, dry vegetation, and elevated fire danger, even a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire.

Please follow the burn ban, avoid activities that may create sparks, and report any smoke or fire immediately by calling 911. Your actions today can protect lives, homes, timber, and our community.

As temperatures continue to rise, please remember our local volunteer firefighters. They spend countless hours training and responding to emergencies in these challenging conditions. If you're looking for a way to support them, donations of bottled water and sports drinks are always appreciated and help keep these dedicated men and women hydrated while serving our community.

Together, through preparedness, prevention, and community support, we can reduce the risk of wildfires and help keep Upshur County safe.

Stay wildfire aware. Prevent the spark. Support your local fire departments.

08/06/2026

08/06/2026