WFD and Community Associations Initiate Fire Precautions

Fire Chief summarizes fireworks hazard precautions

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- During The Woodlands Fire Department Board Meeting on Wednesday, July 1, Fire Chief Alan B. Benson presented a report summarizing the precautions that The Woodlands Fire Department and the Community Associations of The Woodlands are initiating in light of the upcoming Fourth of July Holiday regarding fireworks and the extremely dangerous, dry conditions. For your information, below is a list of items that the staff has or will be implementing to decrease the chances of fire incidents.

• Contracted law enforcement officers will be enforcing the restricted use of certain fireworks banned by Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office and will be patrolling neighborhoods in order to deter the use of any fireworks.

• Signs stating “Fireworks Prohibited in The Woodlands” have been posted at parks and major intersections.

• “Fireworks prohibited in The Woodlands” article was published in the June and July issues of The Woodlands Community Magazine.

• The Woodlands Fire Department will be responding to complaint calls discouraging the use of fireworks and educating residents regarding associated fire hazards. Fire crews will be proactively patrolling neighborhoods through the weekend when not responding to complaint calls.

• The Fire Department has adjusted the normal response mode to ensure that there is sufficient equipment in order to quickly respond to all suspected grass/brush fires and will be staffing brush trucks 24/7.

• WFD dispatch has increased staffing for this weekend to handle the call volume expected throughout the County.

• Residents who call the Community Associations or the Fire Department main numbers after hours, will be notified to call our dispatch office at 281 362-3900 to report complaints regarding the use of fireworks.

Thank you for your support and help during this holiday weekend. Please refrain from shooting fireworks.