Simpsonville VFD Auxiliary

10/15/2026

GILMER AREA FIRE WEATHER 🔥

Thursday–Saturday | October 15–17

UPSHUR COUNTY BURN BAN IN EFFECT. The county reinstated its burn ban October 14, prohibiting outdoor burning in unincorporated areas through noon October 30, subject to the order’s exceptions. Do not burn brush, trash, or debris.

Fire danger will increase heading into the weekend:

• Thursday: Lower fire potential, but underlying dryness remains. Any light rain should not be taken as an all-clear.

• Friday: A cold front brings cooler weather and strong north winds. The regional outlook calls for winds of 20–25 mph, gusts of 30–40 mph, and afternoon humidity around 35–50%. Fires could spread quickly.

• Saturday: Dry air continues drying grass, leaves, and pine needles. The Forest Service forecasts moderate initial attack fire potential across East Texas Friday and Saturday, with fires becoming harder to control.

Cooler weather does not mean safer burning conditions. Check old burn piles for remaining heat, secure trailer chains, and avoid activities that throw sparks near dry vegetation.

Report any spreading fire immediately—call 911.

Protect your neighbors and your firefighters. Please share.

10/13/2026

A LITTLE RAIN CAN GIVE A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.

Gilmer and Upshur County could see a few showers Wednesday, but don’t assume light rain makes burning safe. Stronger winds and lower humidity are expected Friday and Saturday, increasing the potential for fires to spread.

Light rain may wet the surface while dry leaves, brush, and larger fuels remain dry underneath. A burn pile can hold heat and escape days after you burn, especially when the wind picks up.

If you choose to burn, check current restrictions first, stay with the fire, and keep water and tools nearby. Before leaving, soak it, stir it, and soak it again until everything is cold. Check it the next day and in the days afterward for remaining heat or smoke.

Never assume a fire is out just because the flames are gone. If it escapes, call 911 immediately.

WHEN IN DOUBT, PUT IT OUT.

09/18/2026

🔥 WEEKEND FIRE DANGER — UPSHUR COUNTY 🔥

Fire prevention is especially important this weekend.

Hot temperatures, continued dry weather and increasingly dry vegetation are creating an environment where a small fire can become a much larger problem very quickly.

Temperatures are expected to approach 100°F again this weekend, with little to no rainfall expected. Even where winds are not particularly strong, our fuels have been exposed to repeated days of heat and drying. Grass, pine needles, leaf litter and other fine fuels can ignite easily and allow fire to spread before firefighters arrive.

This is not the weekend to get careless with fire.

Please avoid unnecessary outdoor burning. Be extremely careful with welding, cutting, grinding, mowing and equipment that can produce sparks. Secure trailer chains so they cannot drag the roadway, and never park a hot vehicle or equipment over dry grass.

If a fire does start, call 911 immediately. Don't wait to see if you can handle it yourself. Early reporting gives local fire departments the best opportunity to catch a fire while it is still small.

For our firefighters: expect the possibility of active fire behavior and extended mop-up. Watch the weather, watch your fuels, stay hydrated and make sure apparatus is ready before the call comes in.

One preventable spark can turn into acres burned.

Please help us protect Upshur County this weekend. Fire prevention starts with all of us.

09/07/2026

A Simpsonville Volunteer Fire Department TRADITION IS BACK!

For years, the Simpsonville Volunteer Fire Department has held our annual heifer raffle as a traditional fundraiser, and we’re proud to keep that tradition going in 2026!

This year, your support will help us purchase firefighting equipment for our new tanker, while giving you a chance to take home a Registered BBU Beefmaster Heifer valued at $4,000!

Tickets are only $2 each
Registered BBU Beefmaster Heifer
Drawing: Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026

A special thank you to Hailey & Dylan Hanna with Rock Hill Beefmasters for donating the heifer and continuing to support our department and community.

And while you’re supporting your local volunteers, maybe consider becoming one. Simpsonville VFD is always looking for community-minded people willing to learn, train, and serve alongside us. No experience? That’s okay—we’ll help you get started.

Buy a ticket. Keep a Simpsonville tradition going. Support your local VFD. And maybe even join the team!

Please share and help us spread the word!

08/31/2026

FIRE DANGER IS UP — LET’S KEEP THE FIRES DOWN.

Upshur County is dry and ready to burn. One dragging chain, mower blade, cigarette, or spark can turn into a wildfire quickly.

Use caution. Check your equipment. Avoid burning.

See smoke or fire? Call 911.

One spark is all it takes.

08/11/2026

🔥 UPSHUR COUNTY FIRE WEATHER UPDATE

Hot and dry conditions continue across Upshur County this week, and fire potential is expected to increase as we move toward the weekend. The greatest concern is expected Sunday into Monday as continued heat and drying conditions increase the chance for fires to start and spread.

🚫 A BURN BAN IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT FOR UPSHUR COUNTY.
Please help protect our community and our firefighters:
Avoid all outdoor burning and activities that could create sparks.
Never throw ci******es from a vehicle.
Avoid parking or driving through tall, dry grass.
Secure trailer chains so they cannot drag and create sparks.
Report wildfires immediately.
Stay aware of changing weather and fire conditions.

🚒 YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteer Fire Departments across our area depend on neighbors willing to serve their neighbors. Simpsonville Fire Department is recruiting new members. You don't have to arrive with years of experience—we need dependable people willing to learn, train, work as a team, and serve their community.
Whether you're interested in firefighting, emergency response, or supporting the department through the Simpsonville Fire Department Auxiliary, there may be a place for you.

🔥 One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
🚒 One More Volunteer Can Make a Difference.

Be careful. Be alert. Protect our community.
Weather information: National Weather Service Shreveport Fire Weather Forecast, with fire-danger information from Texas A&M Forest Service.

08/07/2026

🔥 UPSHUR COUNTY FIRE DANGER ALERT 🔥

A Burn Ban is currently in effect for Upshur County. We ask everyone to do their part to help prevent the next wildfire. With extreme heat, dry vegetation, and elevated fire danger, even a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire.

Please follow the burn ban, avoid activities that may create sparks, and report any smoke or fire immediately by calling 911. Your actions today can protect lives, homes, timber, and our community.

As temperatures continue to rise, please remember our local volunteer firefighters. They spend countless hours training and responding to emergencies in these challenging conditions. If you're looking for a way to support them, donations of bottled water and sports drinks are always appreciated and help keep these dedicated men and women hydrated while serving our community.

Together, through preparedness, prevention, and community support, we can reduce the risk of wildfires and help keep Upshur County safe.

Stay wildfire aware. Prevent the spark. Support your local fire departments.

06/19/2026

We are absolutely thrilled to offer out heartfelt congratulations to Firefighter Sarah Lightner on completing her TCFP Fire Academy training! This marks the true beginning of a journey into a vital and demanding profession. The dedication and hard work she's put in are incredibly inspiring and demonstrate her commitment to serving our community. This achievement is a testament to her courage and resolve, truly a significant milestone. We are so proud to witness this incredible accomplishment and the promising path ahead for her. 🚒

06/09/2026

04/24/2026

Severe weather is forecasted to potentially impact our area later today, with a risk of strong storms, high winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. In preparation, please gather essential items and identify safe locations. Key supplies to have on hand include generators and fuel, flashlights, water, food, clothing, and rain gear. Our departments in Upshur county will be monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond as needed.