Winchester Area Volunteer Fire Department

06/04/2026

We are excited to announce that WAVFD received a community grant from
! We are looking forward to using our new brush truck!

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

Great night doing a joint training with South Lee County Volunteer Fire Dept.

04/18/2026

The Fayette County Commissioners Court lifted the burn ban shortly after 10 a.m. this morning, April 17.

Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Angela Hahn reported that the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average for Fayette County had fallen to 367 following the rains last weekend. More rain is expected to arrive this weekend as a cold front approaches.

The Commissioners said they spoke with fire chiefs across the County ahead of the meeting, and none of them were opposed to lifting the ban.

Pct. 2 Commissioner Clint Sternadel urged everyone to call the Sheriff’s Office if they intend to burn, and inform them of your location. This helps prevent unnecessary responses by volunteer firefighters. Residents intending to burn should call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number: (979) 968-5856.

Pct. 1 Constable Billy Roensch suggested waiting until Monday to lift the ban.

“With the weather coming in and the high winds, I wouldn’t lift it until Monday,” Roensch said. “People from Houston, they’re going to start fires and then leave Sunday afternoon. There’s no telling what’s going to happen.”

“Believe me, I understand there is validity in what you say," said County Judge Dan Mueller. "But us lifting the burn ban doesn’t mean we’re telling people to go burn. It means they have the right to burn. Your comments are well-taken and I don’t disagree a bit.”

The Commissioners ultimately decided to lift the ban immediately. Please exercise caution when burning.

03/25/2026

Great evening last night at our Annual Meeting. We truly appreciate all the support from our community!

Your 2026 Chiefs and Board of Directors:

Chief Nick Brooks
1st Assistant Chief Barry Zoch
2nd Assistant Chief Melvin Schulze
Training Officer Ryan McGary

President Jacki Short
Vice President Kelly Franke
Treasurer Sherry Murphy
Secretary Ron Kaiser

(Plus Chuck Breedan in the back!)

03/24/2026

Annual meeting is tonight at Zilss Hall, 6pm. Please join us!

03/16/2026

Long night for our department. Happy to be able to help.

03/16/2026

In effect NOW!

Fayette County Commissioners Court reinstated a burn ban in an emergency meeting after a series of over 10 wildfires broke out over the weekend, including a 40-acre fire that's still burning.

03/13/2026

Please call the sheriff’s office before burning: (979) 968-5856

Please call the Sheriffs Office at 979-968-5856 if you intend to burn

02/24/2026

Does the WAVFD respond to your property? You’re welcome to come join us!

March 24th
Zilss Hall
Annual public WAVFD Meeting
6:00pm social
6:30pm meal and meeting with voting of officers

Supporters in our responding area are Welcome to come join us!