Q: How do I submit feedback?

You can email the Fire Chief directly at FireChief@briaroaksfire.com or contact either station to speak with an officer. We will do our best to assist you in resolving the issue. You can also submit a commendation or complaint using this online form.

Question 1

Can we paint or decorate a fire hydrant?

Accepted Answer

Fire hydrants are critical emergency equipment and must remain accessible and visible at all times. Painting or decorating hydrants requires approval to ensure they remain functional and easily identifiable by firefighters during emergencies.If you'd like to participate in a community hydrant painting program, please contact us to discuss guidelines and obtain permission. Any decorations must not obstruct the hydrant, change its color coding, or interfere with operation. Unapproved modifications may need to be removed for safety reasons.

Question 2

Can you fill swimming pools?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not fill or drain swimming pools, tanks, or ponds of any type. You can contact your local municipality or water provider for more information about the water in your swimming pool.

Question 3

Can you refill fire extinguishers?

Accepted Answer

No, we are not able to refill extinguishers. You can purchase a good home fire extinguisher from Amazon or other retailers for around $20.00. These types of fire extinguishers are typically not rechargeable. If you currently have a rechargeable fire extinguisher, you would need to find a private business that can service and refill them for you. You can distinguish between two types of fire extinguishers:

RechargeableThis type of fire extinguishers has metal heads and Charge/Recharge-labeled gauges.
DisposableUnlike rechargeable fire extinguishers, these units have plastic heads and Full/Empty-labeled gauges.

Question 4

Can you visit for birthday parties or events?

Accepted Answer

We love participating in community events when possible! Our firefighters enjoy visiting schools, birthday parties, neighborhood events, and community gatherings to educate the public about fire safety.Visits are subject to availability and may be cancelled if we receive emergency calls. To request a visit, please contact us at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Include:Event date, time, and locationExpected number of attendeesAge group (if children)Desired activities (truck viewing, fire safety talk, photos)There is no charge for community visits, but donations to support our volunteer department are always appreciated.

Question 5

Do you offer free blood pressure checks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any Briaroaks Fire Station will gladly check your blood pressure without an appointment, provided that personnel are available at the fire station you are visiting.

If you live closer to Station 1please call (817) 295-9539 to see if anyone is at the station
If you are closer to Station 2Please call (817) 295-5137

Question 6

How do I dispose of unused medications?

Accepted Answer

Each Briaroaks Fire Station has a box mounted on the front of the station containing secure mailer envelopes to be used for prescription medication disposal. Please take as many envelopes as needed and follow the instructions on the envelope. The envelopes are postage paid and there is no charge for the disposal. These envelopes are only for unused medication. They are not to be used for other medical waste disposal or for any other purpose.

Question 7

How do I request an incident report?

Accepted Answer

You can arrange to receive an incident report by filling out our Report Request Form online. If you only need one report and email is acceptable, we will provide the incident report to you free of charge. If multiple reports are needed or if the report must be mailed, then fees may apply. Patient Reports are confidential by law and can only be released in accordance with the provisions of HIPAA.

Question 8

How do I submit feedback?

Accepted Answer

You can email the Fire Chief directly at &#70;&#105;&#114;&#101;&#67;&#x68;&#x69;&#x65;&#x66;&#64;&#98;&#x72;&#105;&#x61;&#x72;&#111;&#97;&#107;&#115;&#x66;&#105;&#x72;&#101;&#x2e;&#99;&#x6f;&#x6d; or contact either station to speak with an officer. We will do our best to assist you in resolving the issue. You can also submit a commendation or complaint using this online form.

Question 9

Where can I get my car seat inspected?

Accepted Answer

The Briaroaks Fire Department does not offer the child safety seat installation and inspection program. To find an inspection station in your area, please  check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by calling 1-866-SEAT-CHECK or visiting https://www.seatcheck.org.

Question 10

Are fireworks allowed in our area?

Accepted Answer

Fireworks regulations in Texas vary by location and can change based on drought conditions. In unincorporated Johnson County, fireworks are generally permitted during specific periods:New Year's: December 31 - January 1Texas Independence Day: March 2San Jacinto Day: April 21Memorial Day Weekend: Friday before - day after Memorial DayJuly 4th Period: June 24 - July 4Cinco de Mayo: May 5However, fireworks may be banned during burn bans or high fire danger. Always check current burn ban status before using fireworks. Use fireworks only in clear, open areas away from structures, vehicles, and dry grass. Keep water nearby and fully extinguish all fireworks before disposal.

Question 11

How do I check current burn ban status?

Accepted Answer

Burn bans are issued by the Johnson County Commissioners Court based on weather conditions, drought severity, and fire danger. To check current burn ban status:Johnson County Fire Dispatch: (817) 357-8800Johnson County Website: www.johnsoncountytx.orgTexas A&M Forest Service: tfs.tamu.edu/burnbanLocal news media and weather reportsDuring burn bans, all outdoor burning is prohibited except for specific exemptions (cooking in approved grills, welding, etc.). Violations can result in fines up to $500. Even when no burn ban is in effect, notify Johnson County Fire Dispatch at (817) 357-8800 before conducting outdoor burning.

Question 12

What area do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We serve about 10,000 residents throughout more than 30 square miles of mostly unincorporated northern Johnson County.  The Briaroaks Fire Department’s primary response area is divided by I-35W into District 173 (west of I-35) and District 273 (east of I-35). Each district has a fire station, multiple assigned fire apparatus, and designated responders for calls in each district. This coverage map shows the primary area responded to by the Briaroaks Fire Department.

Question 13

What is your ISO rating?

Accepted Answer

The ISO (Insurance Services Organization) is an advisory organization and the principal provider of rating and statistical information used by the insurance industry in the United States. Quality of public fire protection is one of the items of statistical information the ISO provides to the insurance industry.
Under the PPC (Public Protection Class) program, the Briaroaks Fire Department has achieved a rating of 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the most desirable rating. This has resulted in comparatively lower insurance rates for homeowners in our district compared with those in a higher PPC classification.
To see how well we stack up against other fire districts, look at the following charts for Texas and Nationwide. As you can see, class 3 is an exceptional rating! Especially, for a volunteer fire department!

Question 14

What should I do when approached by emergency vehicles?

Accepted Answer

When you notice an approaching emergency vehicle, immediately pull to the right and stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see an emergency vehicle that is approaching the intersection from behind you or another direction, come to a stop, preferably one or two car lengths back from the intersection if possible and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass. Use caution when starting back on your way to ensure the intersection is clear and that you have the right of way.

Question 15

When should I call 911 vs. non-emergency?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 for emergencies requiring immediate response:Fire, smoke, or smell of gasMedical emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness)Vehicle accidents with injuriesAny situation requiring police, fire, or ambulance immediatelyCall our non-emergency number (817) 295-9539 for:General questions about our servicesStation tours or community eventsNon-urgent requests (blood pressure checks, smoke detector help)Follow-up questions about previous incidentsWhen in doubt, call 911. It's better to call and not need emergency services than to delay during a real emergency.

Question 16

Why does a fire truck respond to medical calls?

Accepted Answer

A fire truck will sometimes arrive at an incident first because it is the closest emergency unit to the emergency scene and we are committed to getting help to your location as fast as possible. All emergency response personnel are well-trained in providing Emergency Medical Services. We have several personnel trained to the Paramedic level and we carry the same equipment found on an Advanced Life Support ambulance.
Although we do not provide patient transportation, we do provide advanced life support until the ambulance arrives for transport. Sometimes our emergency responders even ride in with the ambulance crew to the hospital to assist with medical care.

Question 17

Why send multiple vehicles to a fire?

Accepted Answer

Each fire truck carries a specific complement of equipment and personnel. There are a number of specialized roles that firefighters undertake at the scene of a fire, and firefighting is a very labor-intensive activity. Firefighters must be rotated out periodically in order to change out air bottles and physically rest to maintain the ability to work on the fireground.
For this reason, it is essential to have enough firefighters on the scene of an incident so that our personnel can adequately recover between assignments. Even a small fire can be unpredictable and can become large and out of control quickly unless sufficient resources are available.

Question 18

Why use lights and sirens at night?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know that an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. Texas state law as well as our standard operating procedures require that our drivers utilize emergency warning equipment during emergency response regardless of the time of day. We also encourage our drivers to use good judgment in determining whether emergency response is necessary in an effort to limit any inconvenience to the public.

Question 19

Can I get a free smoke detector?

Accepted Answer

The Briaroaks Fire Department purchases a limited number of smoke alarms for distribution to residents who may otherwise not be able to afford them. Please submit a contact form with your request and someone will be in contact to discuss the options with you. The fire department can also assist with changing batteries if needed.

Question 20

Can I have a control burn?

Accepted Answer

Control burns in Johnson County, Texas are allowed as long as there is not a burn ban.  You must have water available and someone must be with the fire at all times. If you plan to conduct any outdoor burning, when a burn ban is not in effect, please contact Johnson County Fire Dispatch to give them your name, a good contact phone number, address where the burn will be conducted, and at least a 24-hour notice. You can reach Johnson County Fire Dispatch at (817) 357-8800.  Further information about the Texas rules and laws related to outdoor burning can be found here: Texas Outdoor Burning

Question 21

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. Every home should have at least one CO detector on each level, especially near sleeping areas. CO detectors should be installed if you have:Gas appliances (furnace, water heater, stove, dryer)Fireplace or wood-burning stoveAttached garageAny fuel-burning equipmentReplace CO detectors every 5-7 years and test them monthly. If your CO detector sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911 from outside your home.

Question 22

How do I create a home fire escape plan?

Accepted Answer

Every household should have a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. Follow these steps to create your plan:Draw a floor plan of your home showing all rooms, doors, and windowsMark two escape routes from each room (door and window)Choose a meeting place outside and away from the homeTeach everyone to test doors for heat before openingPractice crawling low under smokeDesignate someone to help young children, elderly, or petsImportant: Once you're out, stay out! Never go back inside a burning building. Call 911 from a safe location and let firefighters do the rescue work.

Question 23

How do I prepare for wildfire season?

Accepted Answer

Johnson County experiences wildfire risk, especially during dry conditions. Protect your property with these defensible space measures:Clear vegetation within 30 feet of structures (mow grass, remove dead plants)Trim tree branches 10 feet from your roof and chimneyRemove debris from gutters, roof, and under decksStack firewood at least 30 feet from structuresUse fire-resistant materials for roof, siding, and landscapingCreate fuel breaks using gravel pathways or drivewaysKeep garden hoses connected and ready. If a wildfire threatens your area and you're told to evacuate, leave immediately. Your life is more valuable than property.

Question 24

How do I prevent kitchen fires?

Accepted Answer

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires. Follow these safety tips to prevent cooking fires:Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling foodKeep flammables away from the stovetop (towels, packaging, curtains)Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and burnsKeep a lid nearby to smother grease fires - never use waterHave a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the kitchenIf a grease fire occurs, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid. Never carry a burning pan outside. If the fire grows beyond the pan, evacuate and call 911.

Question 25

How do I test my smoke alarm?

Accepted Answer

Each smoke alarm has a test button. Press the test button and hold it for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop when you release the button. Remember to test your smoke detector monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. If your smoke alarm is over 10 years old, it needs to be replaced with a new unit.

Question 26

How many smoke alarms do I need?

Accepted Answer

One smoke alarm isn’t enough! You should have at least one smoke alarm in every bedroom and in the hallway outside each bedroom. A typical three-bedroom home would need at least four properly installed smoke alarms to provide a reasonable amount of protection for your family. Smoke rises, so the best place to install an alarm is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall approximately 6-8 inches below the ceiling.
Anytime your smoke alarm goes off, check your home thoroughly. If you see or smell smoke, immediately get out of your home and call 911. Ensure that other family members and pets are also evacuated from the home.

Question 27

Why is my smoke alarm chirping?

Accepted Answer

If the detector is chirping and no sign of fire or smoke is present, replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job and the risk of dying in a fire increases greatly. Smoke detector batteries should be changed when you adjust your clock for daylight savings time in the Spring and Fall.

Question 28

Can I schedule a station tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We welcome station tours for schools, community groups, and families. Tours typically include viewing our apparatus, learning about firefighting equipment, and meeting our volunteer firefighters. Tours are subject to availability and may be interrupted if we receive an emergency call.To schedule a tour, please contact us at least two weeks in advance. Include your preferred date, approximate group size, and any special requirements. Station tours are free of charge and typically last 30-45 minutes.

Question 29

How do I become a volunteer firefighter?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a volunteer firefighter is one of the most rewarding and selfless decisions you can make. Briaroaks Fire Department is always accepting applications. We have an ONLINE APPLICATION that you can use to apply for a volunteer position with us. The application can also be downloaded and turned in at any regular Tuesday meeting.

Question 30

What training is required?

Accepted Answer

Briaroaks Fire Department provides the most current training to all new recruits.  Initial Fire training includes Introductory certification through the Texas State Firemen's and Fire Marshal's Association.  Initial Medical training includes certification as an Emergency Care Attendant through the Texas Department of State Health Services. All required training provided by the Briaroaks Fire Department at no cost to the participants.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Besides local training, there are many other opportunities that exist and others that will come available throughout the year. Here are just a few of the training opportunities available to firefighters in Texas.
TDEM Hazardous Materials TrainingThe Texas Division of Emergency Management offers multiple courses at no cost to Texas firefighters and first responders. Funding is provided by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant. 
TEEX Area School TrainingDelivered at no cost to fire personnel in Texas, fire extension programs bring the highest quality training directly to departments and agencies across Texas. This diverse training combines classroom knowledge with hands-on training that satisfies both certification and continuing education requirements. Standard-based training such as Pro Board and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection is available, as well as National Fire Academy and State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals’ Association training courses.