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RESPONSE AREA The Community Volunteer Fire Department proudly serves an estimated population of 150,000 residents in the unincorporated portions of Southwestern Harris County and Northeastern Fort Bend County, in the general areas of Alief, Mission Bend, and Cinco Ranch. ABOUT US Overview From the Chief Command Staff Response Area History

BATTERY SAFETY The best way to be safe is to prevent a lithium-ion battery fire from starting. Take these important actions now. Lithium-ion batteries can go into thermal runaway undetected and result in a fire. Not just any fire, a fire that emits flames, smoke and toxic gases that can cause an explosion and spread throughout a house, apartment, or storefront. DID YOU KNOW? PUBLIC INFO Public Courses Community Events Fire Station Tours Records Request Pay Transport Bill Knox Box Outdoor Burning Battery Safety From the first warning signs of smoke or hissing noises, you may have less than one minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire. What is a lithium-ion battery? Lithium-ion is the most popular rechargeable battery chemistry used today. It consists of single or multiple lithium-ion cells along with a protective circuit board. Where can I find lithium-ion battery-powered devices? Lithium-ion battery-powered devices can be found in the home and workplace in many common products such as — cell phones, laptops, electric power tools, wheelchairs, lawn mowers, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles. What are the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries? Despite their many advantages, lithium-ion batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, and cause explosions. This most commonly occurs when the batteries are damaged, suffer electro-chemical abuse (e.g., from overcharging or completely draining the battery), are in high- or low-temperature environments, or have an internal short-circuit. The heating from the internal short circuit can cause chemical reactions that lead to thermal runaway. What is thermal runaway? Thermal runaway is the primary driver of risks related to lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway is what happens when a fault causes self-heating in a battery cell. The process of self-heating generates incredible heat — more than 1,000° F — which decomposes the cell into smoke and flammable and toxic gases. When the heat from thermal runaway spreads to other cells, it can cause them to experience faults and the rest of the battery to go into thermal runaway. Thermal runaway often immediately ignites a fire, but if the ignition is not immediate, the buildup of flammable gases can cause an explosion that blows out windows and spreads fire throughout a structure (e.g., an apartment, house, or storefront). Choose certified products When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered devices, be sure to look for products that are listed or safety certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements. Countless products sold online do not meet these critical safety standards. Handle lithium-ion battery-powered devices with care Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Only use the charging equipment that comes with the product. Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable. Do not modify the battery or the charger in any way. Charge larger devices (such as eBikes) outside the home – and never in your exit path. • Do not charge larger devices overnight. Always stay alert for warning signs Check battery-powered devices often for damage or abuse such as swelling or punctures. Listen for unusual hissing or popping sounds. Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor. If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion powered devices. White or gray wispy smoke indicates immediate danger of thermal runaway Recycle devices and batteries properly Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries and devices by taking them to the nearest battery recycling center. Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins. Get out quickly if there’s a fire Know the warning signs to look and listen for and get out if you see – or hear – one. Follow your home fire escape plan to leave immediately and call 9-1-1 . Educate others on battery safety Now that you know what actions to take, spread the word. Protect your friends and loved ones by sharing how they can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety Learn more at batteryfiresafety.org

STATION 91 Fire Station 91 is considered our central and busiest fire station. Station 91 serves the dense area of Mission Bend, between the boundaries of Highway 6 to slightly West of FM 1464. This current location opened in 2006, moving from an old building historically known as "C Station" Fire Station 91 houses our shift Battalion Chief, Incident Safety Officer, Engine 91, Ladder 91, and Booster 91. Station 91 also houses our Special Operations division including our Heavy Rescue Truck, Foam Pumper, and Mobile Command Vehicle. Fire Station 91 16003 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX. 77083 (281) 498-1310 LOCATIONS Administration Station 91 Station 92 Station 93 Station 94 Station 95 Conference Center Training Facility Westcom

COMMUNITY EVENTS An in-service fire station crew and fire truck will visit public events sponsored by a nonprofit organization, a school, or a neighborhood association. If a fire crew attends your event, they will typically remain “in service” and stage the apparatus somewhere that allows them to leave quickly if they are dispatched to an emergency. Responding to an emergency may cause the crew to be late to the event, to have to leave abruptly, or in some cases, to not show up at all. To request a fire truck at your next event, please schedule here or call our Community Outreach Team at (281) 742-0923 with any questions. To confirm your event is within our territory, please check the map here . PUBLIC INFO Public Courses Community Events Fire Station Tours Records Request Pay Transport Bill Knox Box Outdoor Burning Battery Safety

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF On behalf of the 300 outstanding men and women of the Community Volunteer Fire Department, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I hope that our webpages will provide you with valuable information on the wide range of services our agency offers. Community Volunteer Fire Department has been providing professional and dedicated service to the area for the last 50 years. Our department's mission is to provide excellent customer service to the citizens with a set of specialized skills to protect lives, property, and the environment through preparedness, education, and emergency response. The citizens whom call us in their time of need expect knowledgeable and highly trained EMT’s and firefighters to develop a plan of action to mitigate every need of the community. We will provide such service with compassion and commitment to every call of the day. I am truly honored and humbled to serve this department and its citizens as your Fire Chief. ABOUT US Overview From the Chief Command Staff Response Area History Since my early days of volunteering as a firefighter to my current role – serving others is my true passion. I am excited about our future and growing opportunities to exceed our community’s expectations. We are continually working to ensure that our training, equipment and facilities meet the needs of the citizens and neighborhoods we serve. Our department provides multiple programs and services to include: Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Tactical Medicine, Technical Rescue, Water Rescue, Hazard Materials Mitigation, Community Interaction, and Fire and EMS Training Academies. We will continue to improve Community Volunteer Fire Department to meet the many challenges we may face, as we remain focused on protecting the life and property of the residents of this community.

REQUIREMENTS Take me back to Recruiting Home Paid Firefighters Must be at least 21 years old Minimum TCFP Basic Firefighter Certification RECRUITING Requirements Disqualifiers FAQ Minimum TDSHS EMT Basic Certification Must be able to submit at least 5 days of availability per month Must have current full time employment with a career fire department Must be eligible to work in the United States Volunteer Firefighters Must be at least 18 years old Must be able to submit at least 6 days of availability per month Must be eligible to work in the United States Must have any of the following: TCFP Basic Firefighter Certification SFFMA Firefighter II Certification, or equivalent training Course completion certificate from an academy meeting NFPA 1001 requirements Candidates who can not satisfy these requirements must complete our fire academy Paid EMS Must be at least 18 years old Minimum TDSHS EMT Basic Certification Must be able to satisfy scheduling requirements Must be eligible to work in the United States Volunteer EMS Must be at least 18 years old Minimum TDSHS EMT Basic Certification Must be able to submit at least 6 days of availability per month Must be eligible to work in the United States

OUTDOOR BURNING INFORMATION Burn Ban FAQ (click for more info) What Does a Burn Ban Mean? What is allowed during Burn Ban? What are the Penalties for Outdoor Burning under a Burn Ban? How Can Residents Help? What is used to Initiate a Burn Ban? OUTDOOR BURNING INFORMATION PUBLIC INFO Public Courses Community Events Fire Station Tours Records Request Pay Transport Bill Knox Box Outdoor Burning Battery Safety Outdoor burning, in general, is illegal because it contributes to air pollution. However, there are some exceptions in which burning is allowed. In those cases, the Outdoor Burning Rule has been designed to protect the environment and promote public health and safety. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and County Health Departments regulate outdoor burning according to TCEQ rules. Outdoor burning is only authorized through the TCEQ rules. Fire Marshals and Fire Chiefs do not have the authority to authorize outdoor burning. The Fire Marshal can, however, prohibit all outdoor burning when a Burn Ban is issued. Outdoor burning is not authorized when a Burn Ban has been issued unless specifically permitted by the TCEQ. Alternatives to Burning What can you do instead of burning your waste? Here are a few ideas: Recycling is separating paper, glass, plastics, aluminum and other metals, computer and small electronic waste from trash material. Some materials can be sold at a salvage yard or donated at a recycling center or landfill. Composting wastes from landscape maintenance can often be easily composted on site. Similar wastes, even some papers, can be composted under the right conditions. Mechanical Chipping or Mulching of wood and plant products can be used for soil enrichment, moisture retention and creating compost. In some cases, mulch can be a marketable product and put to use where it is produced or given to residents and nurseries. If the material cannot be used as landscape mulch, chipping can still be useful to reduce the volume of waste that must be disposed of by some other means. Logging of trees cleared for development sometimes can be converted to a marketable product—lumber, pulp or firewood—as one way to reduce the costs of disposal. Landfills are a permitted outdoor area for waste disposal. Some landfills have recycling centers with chippers for wood waste and collection bins for paper, plastic and glass. What I need to know... Domestic Waste You may burn domestic waste if garbage collection is not provided by a municipality or utility district. Domestic wastes include waste that normally results from the function of life within a residence and include: kitchen garbage, untreated lumber, cardboard boxes, packaging (including plastics, rubber), clothing, grass, leaves, and branch trimmings. Burning may occur only on properties used exclusively as a private residence not housing more than 3 families. Businesses cannot burn domestic waste! Plant Growth On-site burning of trees, brush, grass, leaves, branch trimmings and other plant growth by the property owner or authorized agent is allowed if there is no practical alternative. Because of the air quality issues in this area, TCEQ region 12 will generally require a practical alternative. Only TCEQ may determine if a practical alternative exists. If there is no practical alternative then the material must be generated from the property on which the burning occurs, generated as a result of right-of-way maintenance or land clearing operations or maintenance along water canals. Crop Residue Burning Burning of crop residue for agricultural management purposes is allowed when no practical alternative exists. Burning of crop residue is subject to general requirements for allowable outdoor burning. Structures containing sensitive receptors (humans and livestock) must not be negatively impacted by the burn. Notification to TCEQ is recommended but not required. Additional Requirements Outdoor burning which is otherwise authorized is subject to additional requirements. The outdoor burning must not create a nuisance condition or a traffic hazard. Additional requirements apply and are included below. Burning must take place outside corporate limits of a city or town. Smoke and pollutants from burning will not be allowed to cause adverse effects to any public road, landing strip, navigable water, or occupied offsite structure. Burning must be conducted at least 300 ft. downwind of an offsite occupied structure unless written approval has been obtained from the owner/person in possession of the structure. Burning may commence no earlier than 1 hour after sunrise and must be completed no later than 1 hour before sunset. The fire must be attended at all times. Burning shall not occur when the wind speed is less than 6 MPH or greater than 23 MPH. Electrical insulation, treated lumber, plastics, non-wood construction demolition material, oils, asphaltic material, chemical wastes, explosive materials, and items containing rubber may not be burned. Burning may not be conducted during a Burn Ban.

STATION 93 Fire Station 93 is CVFD's first fire station which was not part of the original A, B, and C Stations. After a short run in a temporary building, Fire Station 93 opened in 2002 as our first brick and mortar facility. Prior to this, all CVFD stations were metal-clad structures. Fire Station 93 proudly serves the northeastern portion of Fort Bend County, including Cinco Ranch and the unincorporated areas of Richmond Texas. Station 93 is home to Engine 93, Tower 93, Booster 93, and Medic 93. This station also houses our High Water Rescue Vehicle and Evacuation Boats. Fire Station 93 20304 FM 1093 Richmond, TX. 77407 (281) 398-6435 LOCATIONS Administration Station 91 Station 92 Station 93 Station 94 Station 95 Conference Center Training Facility Westcom

COMMUNITY OUTREACH The Community Outreach Division is responsible for acting as the liaison between the department and the public. This is accomplished through various educational programs and broadcasting important information to the news media. Community Education The Community Education Team undertakes the important task of reaching into our community to better inform and educate the public on principals of fire safety and preparedness. This group regularly hosts prevention programs, fire safety lectures, school visits, and station tours. Public Information Officer The Public Information Officer (PIO) is the individual responsible for communicating with the public, media, and/or coordinating with other agencies, as necessary, with pertinent incident related information. Recruiting Our recruiting division works to bring in and retain qualified individuals for both fire and ems positions. Our recruiting team also runs a unique Delayed Entry Program which allows fire academy candidates to train and learn prior to the start of the next fire academy class. DIVISIONS Operations Special Operations Training Health & Safety Community Outreach Logistics Tactical EMS Honor Guard

TECHNICAL RESCUE OPERATIONS COURSE RECRUITING CVFD is looking for dedicated individuals to become part of our Technical Rescue Team! We are accepting applications for both paid and volunteer positions. All new TRT members must go through our Technical Rescue Operations Course (TRO). This course is provided by CVFD to all new TRT members prior to assignment on the rescue truck. Join Our Team Fire Academy EMS Academy Technical Rescue Junior Firefighters TRT REQUIREMENTS For more information, please email recruiting.specops@communityvfd.com INITIAL TRAINING Pass an initial PAT test and annual PAT test Complete CVFD's TRO Course prior to assignment Paid members must hold a minimum of TDSHS EMT-Basic Volunteer members but obtain TDSHS EMR within 1 year HIRING REQUIREMENTS Must meet CVFD's paid or volunteer hiring requirements which can be found here . No rescue experience is required. Additional requirements are listed below. All rescue related training will be provided by CVFD at no cost to the member. The initial TRO course will allow the member to be trained to the Operations level, and receive assignment on the rescue truck. Additional training will be required to bring the member to a Technician level. WITHIN 6 MONTHS Pass CVFD's Engineer Qualification Trained and Cleared on All Spec Ops Apparatus Swiftwater Technician Course (24 hr course) Ropes 1&2 or Confined Space 1&2 (40 hr course) Forklift Operator (4 hr course) WITHIN 1 YEAR Structural Collapse 2 (80 hr course at TEEX) Hazmat Tech (40 or 80 hr course) Trench Collapse 1&2 (40 hr course) Swiftwater Boat Operator (16 hr course) WITHIN 18 MONTHS Drone Pilot PAT INFORMATION PAT WAIVER Apply Now!

CONFERENCE CENTER In 2015, CVFD opened the conference center attached to Station 94. This facility includes classrooms and meeting space utilized for large gatherings such as training events, graduation and award ceremonies, Emergency Services District #100 meetings, and other community events. These spaces are also used for various homeowners association and MUD district board meetings. Classrooms are available for use by area homeowner's associations, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies. There is no cost to reserve a room. Please note that this service is not open to the general public. Available classrooms are located at: CVFD Conference Center 16005 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77083 LOCATIONS Administration Station 91 Station 92 Station 93 Station 94 Station 95 Conference Center Training Facility Westcom To reserve a room, please click here

The Community Volunteer Fire Department is a full-service agency that responds to all calls for service involving fires, medical emergencies, specialized rescue, hazardous materials, and citizen assists. Read More Bobby Clark Fire Chief On behalf of the 300 outstanding men and women of the Community Volunteer Fire Department, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit our website. FIRE EMS RESCUE WE ARE HERE FOR YOU "Community Volunteer Fire Department exists to provide excellent customer service to the citizens with a set of specialized skills to protect lives, property and the environment through preparedness, education, and emergency response." Records Request Information about public records requests Pay a Bill How to pay an ambulance transport bill Public Education View available pubic education courses Fire Stations Locate your nearest fire station Recruiting How to apply for a position with us Fire Safety Learn about how to keep your family safe ESCAPE PLAN YOUR Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? A fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Ryche Guerrero, long time CVFD photographer, passed away in early 2020 surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. We would like to share this video as a tribute to Ryche's 20 years of service to Community VFD. Ryche climbing the 100 foot ladder of Tower 93 is very symbolic of his fight against cancer. Ryche was terminal at the time this was filmed, and his strength was not what it once was. That didn't stop him though. This was his first and only time to climb to the top of one of our aerials, and he was so proud of his accomplishment. He fought through some hard spots near the top, but he never gave up and kept on climbing. Ryche has now climbed to the top of his fight against cancer. While he will be sincerely missed, we are comforted in knowing that he has conquered the disease in a way in which it can no longer cause any further suffering for him. Rest in Peace, Ryche. We'll take it from here. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a firefighter? We welcomed Unspeakable to give it a try at the Stephen R. Fowler Training Facility. They didn't quite make the cut this time, but if you're interested in trying it for yourself, check out our fire academy page.