Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Dept

05/11/2026

04/29/2026

Red Cross is setting up at the Mineral Wells High School Cafeteria for anyone impacted by the storm.

04/21/2026

🚒 What is ISO—and why does it matter?

ISO (Insurance Services Office) measures how well a community can respond to fires. Communities are rated from 1 (best) to 10 (limited fire protection) based on factors like firefighter training, equipment, water supply, and emergency communications.

💡 Why it matters:
Insurance companies often use these ratings to help determine homeowners’ insurance rates.

We are already seeing what happens when we begin working to improve those ratings.

Earlier this year, Graford (Station 16) improved its ISO rating from a 10 to a 5, reflecting stronger fire protection capabilities for that community.

The Strawn Volunteer Fire Department (Station 14) has completed the required testing for re-evaluation, and we anticipate their updated rating soon.

Up next, Station 17 (PK East) is preparing to undergo testing as part of this ongoing effort.

These actions are part of the continued work of Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District #1 to strengthen fire protection and create a safer place for the citizens of Palo Pinto County.

04/16/2026

Today is a special day for Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District No. 1.

Jared and JD Newman, a father and son who have both served this county as volunteers, are now certified and officially part of the ESD team and today they’re assigned together on Engine 5.

Moments like this reflect what the fire service is all about: commitment, tradition, and family.

This profession comes with real challenges and stress, and at ESD 1, we recognize that taking care of our people has to be a priority. That means being intentional about how we staff, how we support our crews, and how we create an environment where both our volunteers and paid personnel can thrive.

We are committed to accommodating our team however we can because when we take care of our people, they can better take care of this county.

It’s this kind of culture that values people, family, and purpose that is drawing individuals to serve here.

And today, that commitment is on full display, sitting side by side on Engine 5.

04/15/2026

What is ISO—and why does it matter?

ISO (Insurance Services Office) measures how well a community can respond to fires.

This rating looks at things like:
• Firefighter training
• Equipment and apparatus
• Water supply
• Emergency communications

Communities receive a rating from 1 (best) to 10 (limited fire protection).

Why it matters:
Insurance companies often use ISO ratings to help determine homeowners’ insurance rates.

Palo Pinto County ESD #1 is working to improve these ratings across the county through training, coordination, and operational improvements.

⸻

03/31/2026

Engine 5 on location investigating a possible gas leak near Highway 180 and Highway 16.
Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Dept

03/23/2026

Honoring the Women Who Serve

March is Women’s History Month, and last week marked National Women Firefighters Day — a moment we didn’t want to pass without recognition.

Across Palo Pinto County ESD #1 and our volunteer fire departments, women serve in vital roles every single day. From the fireground to support services behind the scenes, their dedication, skill, and commitment help keep our communities safe.

These women are firefighters, EMTs, leaders, coordinators, and volunteers. They train, respond, support, and show up when it matters most.

Their contributions may not always be seen by the public, but they are felt in every call answered, every life helped, and every department strengthened.

To all the female first responders across Palo Pinto County, we are proud to recognize and thank those who serve our district and our county. Your impact is invaluable.

03/23/2026

On March 23, County Commissioners approved placing the County back under a Burn Ban. Winter vegetation is dry and conditions are ideal for wildfires.

Please Don’t Burn!

03/23/2026

Structure Fire with Fatality – Palo Pinto County

Just after 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, emergency crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Black Jack St in Palo Pinto.

Three individuals were at the residence at the time of the fire. Two were able to escape. A third individual was located inside the home after the fire was extinguished and was found deceased.

Due to fire conditions, responders operated in a defensive mode while working to bring the fire under control. Because of the ambient temperatures and fuel load at the location, the response was escalated to a third alarm.

At this time, no foul play is suspected. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

We want to recognize the efforts of the firefighters, EMS personnel, and all responding agencies who worked diligently under difficult circumstances.

This is a tragic reminder of how quickly fire conditions can become life-threatening. We encourage all residents to ensure working smoke detectors are installed in their homes and to review fire safety plans with their families.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.

Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Dept Lone Camp Vfd Graford FireDept Santo Volunteer Fire & EMS Strawn Volunteer Fire Department Possum Kingdom East VFD Brazos Volunteer Fire Dept.Lake Palo Pinto VFD Mineral Wells Fire & EMS Sacred Cross EMS Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office PK WEST VFD VFD

02/12/2026

Professional training. Local volunteers.

We’re proud to have several of our Palo Pinto VFD members attending advanced Search & Rescue and RIT training today, led by our County Fire Chief. These are specialized, real-world techniques used when conditions are at their worst and time is critical.

Our volunteers train to the same high standards as career departments because your family deserves nothing less.

We’re always looking for committed men and women who want to train hard, serve well, and stand ready when it matters.