Willowfork Fire Department’s Impact in 2024: Saving $21 Million in Property with Outstanding Firefighting and Rescue Services
The Willowfork Fire Department, located in Fort Bend County, once again demonstrated its commitment to safety and community service throughout 2024, responding to fires and emergencies across its jurisdiction, which spans 18.63 square miles in Katy. In the face of potentially devastating property losses, the department’s swift and efficient response saved millions in property value, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in firefighting and emergency response services in the region.
Exceptional Firefighting Efficiency in 2024
In 2024, the Willowfork Fire Department responded to properties with a total value of over $21 million that were affected by fires. Despite the significant value of the properties involved, the department's response resulted in an impressive 94% property save rate, with only 5.81% of the total value lost due to the fires. This equates to over $1.2 million in losses, a remarkable achievement considering the high stakes involved in each emergency response.
The department’s success was highlighted in several categories:
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Building Fires: Total value: $17.68 million / Loss: $1.01 million
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Cooking Fires: Total value: $1.78 million / Loss: $4,150
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Chimney/Flue Fires: Total value: $557,458 / Loss: $0
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Passenger Vehicle Fires: Total value: $237,340 / Loss: $196,840
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Outside Equipment Fires: Total value: $777,000 / Loss: $26,000
These statistics highlight the department’s exceptional ability to mitigate damage, thanks to their highly trained personnel, advanced equipment, and fast response times.
Growth and Evolution: Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community
The Willowfork Fire Department’s story began in 2002 when Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2 (FBCESD 2) was formed to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding Cinco Ranch and surrounding communities. In 2003, the department began operations with a small staff, providing service from a temporary station on Mason Road.
Over the years, the department has expanded to include three stations strategically placed throughout the district, with the addition of advanced equipment such as fire engines, a tower vehicle, a tanker, and rescue boats for water-related incidents. Notably, Willowfork Fire Department added a 14-foot inflatable rescue boat and a 12-foot flat-bottom boat following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. These boats ensure the department’s preparedness in flood conditions and provide essential support during natural disasters.
Expanding Staff and Capabilities
Since its founding, Willowfork Fire Department has significantly increased staffing to meet the growing needs of its service area. Initially staffed by part-time personnel, the department transitioned to full-time employees starting in 2016. Today, the department employs 25 full-time and 60 part-time firefighters, providing 24/7 coverage throughout the year.
Additionally, in 2021, the department expanded its team with nine new full-time firefighters, allowing the department to operate with 17 personnel daily. This staffing expansion ensures that the Willowfork Fire Department is always prepared to handle emergencies, ranging from fires to rescue operations.
Community Engagement and Public Services
Beyond firefighting, the Willowfork Fire Department is deeply committed to community outreach. They offer a range of programs designed to educate and engage local residents. These programs include the Citizens Fire Academy, CPR training, fire extinguisher classes, fire station tours, and public appearances. These efforts ensure that residents are not only protected but also empowered with the knowledge to respond to emergencies in their own homes.
Strong Partnerships for Superior Emergency Response
The Willowfork Fire Department operates in collaboration with several key partners to provide comprehensive emergency services. One of the most important partnerships is with Fort Bend County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which provides highly trained EMS personnel housed at Willowfork’s stations. This collaboration allows for seamless emergency medical responses, ensuring that both fire and medical needs are met efficiently and effectively.
Other valuable partnerships include those with neighboring fire departments such as the Katy Fire Department, Harris County Emergency Services District 48, and Fulshear-Simonton Fire Department. These partnerships further strengthen the department's ability to respond to emergencies and deliver top-tier services to residents.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, the Willowfork Fire Department remains focused on providing top-quality fire protection, rescue services, and emergency medical response to the residents of Fort Bend County. As the district continues to grow, the department is committed to adapting its resources and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the community.
For more information about the Willowfork Fire Department, including available public services and programs, visit their website at willowforkfire.com or reach out to one of the department’s three stations.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
