Ponderosa Fire Department

06/12/2026

Ponderosa Fire’s 2026 Summer Newsletter is now available. This edition includes our department response-time, on-scene-time, and cleared-time statistics, FIFA World Cup 2026 safety information, swimming and water safety tips for the summer season, and a message from our newest firefighters hired in December 2025.

We invite you to take a few minutes to read the newsletter and learn more about the work your fire department is doing to serve our community. Thank you for your continued support, and have a safe summer.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Ponderosa Fire Department honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. As we spend time with family and friends, we pause to reflect on the freedoms made possible by those who gave everything.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

05/25/2026

Ponderosa Fire Engine 63 (E63) was dispatched to a Motor Vehicle Incident on the NB main-lanes of the Hardy Toll Road. Upon arrival, crews located a single vehicle with severe damage. Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare M440 was on scene providing patient care to two occupants.

E63 personnel quickly identified the vehicle as an electric vehicle (EV). Due to the extent of the damage, crews utilized an Electric Vehicle Emergency Plug by inserting it into the vehicle’s charging port. This device temporarily prevents the vehicle from operating under its own propulsion, helping create a safer environment for both patients and first responders during rescue operations.

As electric vehicles become more common on roadways, the Ponderosa Fire Department continues taking proactive steps to adapt to evolving vehicle technology. Specialized tools like the EV immobilization plug allow crews to safely manage the unique hazards associated with EV incidents while continuing to provide effective emergency care and rescue operations.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

05/19/2026

At 11:39 hours, Ponderosa Fire Department crews from Stations 61 and 62 were conducting annual hose testing when a local resident reported a possible fire at a neighboring apartment complex. Ponderosa Fire D60 investigated and observed heavy smoke coming from between the buildings.

A structure fire response was immediately dispatched, bringing all Ponderosa stations along with mutual aid from the Harris County ESD 16 - Klein Fire Department, Spring Fire Department, and Harris County ESD 17 - Little York Fire Department. Arriving crews located heavy fire on a first-floor exterior balcony with possible extension into the structure.

During the incident, Ponderosa Fire Deputy Chief 6003 encountered a resident attempting to extinguish the fire, moved the resident to safety, and then entered the structure to rescue an infant inside.

The fire was quickly contained and extinguished with no injuries reported to civilians or emergency personnel. Thank you to Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare for handling patient care. The Harris County Fire Marshal Office was notified. Due to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, a potentially catastrophic incident was successfully mitigated.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

05/10/2026

Our annual C - Shift Crawfish Boil has become a tradition we truly look forward to each year. It’s a great opportunity for the whole shift to come together, share a meal we don’t often get to enjoy, and strengthen the camaraderie that makes our team what it is. Plenty of good food, laughs, and memories along the way.

This tradition has been going strong for a few years now and continues to grow every time. We also want to give a big thank you Crawfish Nick Seafood to for providing a great meal for our crew we appreciate the quality and service they bring to the table.

Looking forward to keeping this tradition alive for many years to come!

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

05/08/2026

Ponderosa Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at an apartment complex located at 21717 Inverness Forest Drive after receiving multiple 911 calls. Crews responded and arrived on scene within minutes.

Engine 63 arrived to find smoke showing from the roof of the building. Firefighters quickly initiated an aggressive offensive attack and were able to contain the fire to a single unit, preventing further extension. Adjacent units sustained only minor smoke and water damage.

Special thanks to Spring Fire Department and Harris County ESD 17 - Little York Fire Department for their mutual aid assistance. Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare provided medical standby support, while Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 assisted with law enforcement. TheHarris County Fire Marshal Office was also notified.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

05/05/2026

E63 was dispatched to a structure fire at 22715 Imperial Valley Dr. The call was upgraded to a full box while en route. Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the patio. Investigation found a small fire caused by improperly discarded smoking materials on the patio.

The fire was quickly extinguished with no extension and no injuries reported. The scene was stabilized and hazards were cleared.

This incident highlights the importance of properly disposing of smoking materials, keeping areas free of combustibles, and maintaining working smoke alarms.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

04/29/2026

Tower 61 was dispatched to assist Harris County ESD 17 - Little York Fire Department with a structure fire involving multiple fully involved storage units. Crews assisted with fire extinguishment.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

04/13/2026

This week, we recognize National Telecommunicators Week.

To the dispatchers at the Texas Emergency Communications Center (TECC)—thank you for being the voice behind the call and the link between our crews and the community. Your calm, professionalism, and quick coordination keep everything moving when it matters most.

Your work does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate everything you do.

Ponderosa Fire Department
Duty • Commitment • Pride

National Telecommunicators Week is a time to recognize the 911 dispatchers behind the scenes who answer the call when it matters most.

Every day, our dispatchers show up ready to handle the unexpected. They are the first, first responders, and their impact is felt in every call they take.

This week, we celebrate the dedication and heart they bring to this job. It is not easy work, but they do it well and with a true commitment to serving others.

To our team and telecommunicators everywhere, thank you for what you do every single day. This week is for you!