Last time, we covered what an Emergency Services District actually is and which ones Travis County Fire Rescue serves. If you skipped that one, the short version is this: ESD 11, ESD 15, and Caldwell/Hays ESD 1 are the three districts that fund fire and rescue coverage across parts of Travis, Caldwell, and Hays counties. But knowing the district exists is one thing. Knowing what it actually takes to make sure someone shows up when you call is a different question, and it's us

Quick pop quiz: if your house caught fire tonight, do you know which department would show up? If you hesitated, don't worry, the answer is more complex than you think. Travis County Fire Rescue trucks responding to an emergency call. What is an Emergency Service District (ESD)? Here's the setup. Texas doesn't run fire protection the way most people assume. Most of the state is carved into Emergency Services Districts, or ESDs, local, tax funded districts that exist purely to

Over the past four to five months, Travis County Fire Rescue crews have responded to a concerning number of crashes at the intersection of U.S. 183 and FM 812. Based on our experience responding to these incidents, speed and confusion involving left turns across multiple lanes of traffic appear to be contributing factors in many of the crashes. Firefighters and law enforcement respond to a vehicle accident on FM812. Drivers turning left from FM 812 across westbound U.S. 183 t

The Celebration May Be Over, But the Fire Risk Isn't.. As Independence Day celebrations come to an end, it's easy to focus on cleaning up and getting back to normal. However, one of the most overlooked fire hazards happens after the last firework has been lit. Used fireworks can remain hot long after they've burned out. If they're thrown into a trash can too soon or left in dry grass, mulch, or other combustible materials, they can reignite and start a fire hours later. Takin

Nothing says summer like firing up the grill for burgers, steaks, or your favorite barbecue recipes. While outdoor grilling is a favorite tradition for many families, it also comes with serious safety risks if proper precautions aren't taken. A few simple steps can help you prevent fires, avoid injuries, and enjoy your cookout with peace of mind. Steak and vegetables sizzle on a grill, enveloped in flames and smoke. Grilling Fires by the Numbers Grilling accidents are more co

As holidays and celebrations approach, many families look forward to gathering with friends, enjoying cookouts, and watching fireworks light up the night sky. While fireworks are a long-standing tradition, they also present significant risks to people, pets, and property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Consumer fireworks cause thousands of injurie