A Little About Us

The Fresno Fire Department was established in 1956 and began operations as a volunteer organization in 1957. Initially run solely as a non-profit supported by the community through donations, fundraising, and various sources, the department’s growth was initially fueled by the dedication of volunteers. As the community expanded, Fort Bend County began providing funding based on call volumes, assisting volunteer departments with operational support.

In 2015, the Fire Department took a significant step forward by hiring its first career firefighter to work daytime hours and supplement the volunteer force. During 2016 and 2017, residents recognized the growing need for enhanced capacity, staffing, apparatus, and facilities. This led to the creation of Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 7 (ESD No. 7), which was approved by voters to provide a dedicated funding source for the growing area and department.

From 2017 to 2020, the department continued as a contracted service provider under the ESD. However, in March 2020, ESD No. 7 took over operations as the service provider, becoming a regulated department through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). This transition marked a milestone for the community, as the department adopted the new name Fort Bend County ESD No. 7, Fresno Fire & Rescue, while maintaining the proud identity of the Fresno community.

Since then, the department has experienced significant growth, both in staffing and infrastructure. The department now operates from multiple stations with a combination of full-time and part-time staff. Here are some key highlights from our growth and achievements:

• TCFP Regulation: The department became a fully regulated fire service provider through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).
• ISO/PPC Rating: Achieved an impressive ISO/PPC rating of 3, compared to a previous rating of 8.
• Budget Growth: Increased operational budget through ad valorem taxes and sales tax revenues.
• Strategic Planning: Development of a strategic plan that includes adding staff across various career tracks, purchasing new apparatus, and implementing a capital/equipment replacement cycle.
• Improved Communications: Transitioned the communications center from the County Sheriff’s office to a Regional Communications Center.
• EMS Advancements: Transitioned from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities.
• New Facilities: Planned and constructed a new Central Fire Administration/Firehouse, now operational.
• Expansion of Resources: Acquired 7 acres for the future development of Firehouse 2 and a dedicated training facility.
• Staffing Improvements: Transitioned to a predominantly full-time staff structure to better meet operational needs.

Fort Bend County ESD No. 7 covers approximately 37 square miles in eastern Fort Bend County. The district includes the unincorporated town of Fresno, as well as the cities of Arcola and other unincorporated areas. It borders the cities of Houston, Pearland, and Missouri City. The majority of the district is residential, with some light commercial and industrial facilities.

Administration:

• 1 Full-Time Fire Chief
• 1 Full-Time Chief of Operations
• 2 Support Staff (Admin, HR, Risk Management)
• 1 Full-Time Logistics Captain

Operations:

• Daily Staffing:
  
  • Firehouse 51: Engine with Captain, Engineer, Firefighter, and a Part-Time Firefighter
  • Firehouse 52: Engine with Captain, Engineer, Firefighter, and a Part-Time Firefighter
  • Battalion 51: On-duty Shift Commander staffed 70% of the month by 1 Full-Time Battalion Chief, 1 Part-Time Battalion Chief, and an Assistant Chief
  • Minimal Staffing: 6 personnel on duty 24/7. Full staffing up to 8 personnel.

Training Division:

Currently, the Fire Department’s training division is managed by a Battalion Chief and a Shift Captain, supported by a dedicated training committee. This division is responsible for areas including EMS, Fire operations, TIFMAS, and Professional Development. The department’s annual training budget is $195,000, which supports various training initiatives such as outside certifications, tuition reimbursement, special ops training, props, and more.

The Fire Department has a small training facility located at its original location on FM 521. This two-story, Class A burn building is equipped with several props, including tools for Vent Enter Search (VES), Forcible Entry, Ventilation, and a Rollover Chamber for realistic training scenarios.