Bill seeks to bolster firefighting efforts amid a worsening climate

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs heard testimony Monday on a bill that would bolster firefighting efforts and better prepare the state for future blazes. 

State Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, filed Senate Bill 34 to address issues discovered in an investigation conducted in the months following the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the most destructive fire in the state’s history. In part, investigators found that rural volunteer fire departments were underfunded.

“Despite the heroic efforts of volunteer firefighters, response times were hindered by a lack of timely air support and poor communication between agencies' responders, largely due to incompatible equipment,” Sparks said. 

Sparks’ bill increases the funding cap for the Texas Rural Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) Assistance Program. Run by the Texas A&M Forest Service, the program provides rural volunteer fire departments with funds to purchase firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.

Sparks said the bill increases the funding cap for that program from $30 million to $40 million. 

“This will ensure volunteer fire departments, which cover more than 85% of the state's land, receive the necessary resources to prepare for and respond to increasingly severe fire seasons,” Sparks said. 

The bill would also require more inspections of power lines, which ignited the Smokehouse Creek Fire. 

“Wildfires started by power lines have been among the most destructive in the region between 2002 and 2024,” he said. 

Austin Firefighter Association President Bob Nicks said he is heartened by the prospect of more funds being pumped into rural volunteer fire departments. 

“These folks are your real heroes in the state of Texas when it comes to firefighting,” said Nicks, who was a battalion chief for 37 years. “Funding is a constant issue.”

“Their job is harder than ever with the advent of increased wildfires,” he continued. “Any funds that go to volunteer departments in Texas will definitely provide them the support that will help them do their job better.”

Nicks said, every year, conditions worsen, increasing the risk of larger and more intense fires. He said it has never been more important to have competent and committed firefighters. 

“They need to be well-trained and have the right equipment,” he said. “These community heroes really need the support, and I'm glad that legislators are looking after them.”