Refugio Volunteer Fire Department

05/31/2026

Over the weekend, the Round Rock Fire Department lost one of our own. Fire Driver Zach French served this community alongside the men and women of RRFD for nearly 19 years, and his loss is being felt throughout our department and the public safety community.

We are grateful for the support shown by neighboring agencies, our fellow employees, hospital staff and the community during this difficult time. Many community members may have noticed neighboring agencies assisting with emergency response coverage or gatherings of our firefighters over the past several days. These acts of support allowed our firefighters the opportunity to be together and support one another, and we are deeply appreciative of everyone who made that possible.

Out of respect for the family, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. We ask that you keep Zach’s family, friends and fellow firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.

05/30/2026

05/26/2026

More rain possible through tomorrow.

05/25/2026

When we talk about Sheltering in Place there are many things that have been considered.
1. What is the Hazard and the danger to the public.
2. Can we evacuate first? If no then shelter is the only option.
(We don’t like to issue a shelter in place because it creates anxiety by not knowing what is outside that can harm you.) That is why we are sharing all of this information to build the trust in our Leadership at RVFD to ensure your safety.
Refugio has the potential everyday for any of the following scenarios. Please start thinking about your own plan.

Here are some directions about a shelter in place order.

05/24/2026

So yesterday a post was shared about the ongoing situation in Orange County California. We haven’t seen an update today as to the Status of that incident. The post wasn’t meant to scare anyone but just to start an information process for our Community.

First let’s show everyone the geography of the town and discuss how the Town is divided up into 4 sections.

Section A: This is anything North of Commons Street and West of Alamo. So Circle K, Chamber, Fire Station, Whataburger, the Schools and the Hospital are all in Section A.

Section B: This is anything North of Commons Street and East of Alamo Street. The Shell, Best Western, Refugio Travel Center, AOC, Mike Terry Chevrolet, and Stripes are all in Section B.

Section C: This is anything South of Commons Street and West of Alamo Street: Our Lad of Refuge Catholic Church, Parker Lumber, Moore Funeral Home, and HEB are all in Section C.

Section D: This is anything South of Commons Street and East of Alamo Street. Hardcore Supply, Refugio County Courthouse, City Hall, Refugio Feed and Supply, O’Reillys, and Cricket are all in Section D.

Some will ask about Alamo Street. Alamo Street starts at the city limits south at the Mission River and continues north out towards Goliad to the city limits. At the Shell left is Alamo Street and going towards Victoria is Victoria Highway.

This map is a little crude but we are working on a better map.

This matters if we are sending out a message of some sort of Hazard like a Chemical release, Weather event etc.

05/23/2026

This a very serious situation. It is very important for everyone to understand evacuation orders and shelter in place orders.
1. When an evacuation order is issued it means just that. Get out and get out now.
2. Shelter in place is something everyone needs to be prepared for also.

RVFD will be hosting town hall meetings in the near future to educate the public/residents on each of these. Things we will be discussing are as follows.
A. The way the Town divides up. Refugio divides into 4 sections along east west and north south established lines.
B. A siren alert to notify residents of a potential large scale hazardous event.
C. Shelter in place instructions.
D. Evacuation instructions.

RVFD is working closely with Refugio County Emergency Management to be able to get messages to everyone using the Reverse Alert System. If you haven’t already, please go the Emergency Management FB page and use the link to do so.

The situation in California is at a manufacturing facility where all the pieces are in play mitigate the incident. Things would be different here as this would likely result from a transportation incident. Much more information to come. Please share with individuals that are not on Social Media as we announce the town hall meetings.