Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Dept

05/11/2026

04/29/2026

Red Cross is setting up at the Mineral Wells High School Cafeteria for anyone impacted by the storm.

04/21/2026

🚒 What is ISO—and why does it matter?

ISO (Insurance Services Office) measures how well a community can respond to fires. Communities are rated from 1 (best) to 10 (limited fire protection) based on factors like firefighter training, equipment, water supply, and emergency communications.

💡 Why it matters:
Insurance companies often use these ratings to help determine homeowners’ insurance rates.

We are already seeing what happens when we begin working to improve those ratings.

Earlier this year, Graford (Station 16) improved its ISO rating from a 10 to a 5, reflecting stronger fire protection capabilities for that community.

The Strawn Volunteer Fire Department (Station 14) has completed the required testing for re-evaluation, and we anticipate their updated rating soon.

Up next, Station 17 (PK East) is preparing to undergo testing as part of this ongoing effort.

These actions are part of the continued work of Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District #1 to strengthen fire protection and create a safer place for the citizens of Palo Pinto County.

04/16/2026

Today is a special day for Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District No. 1.

Jared and JD Newman, a father and son who have both served this county as volunteers, are now certified and officially part of the ESD team and today they’re assigned together on Engine 5.

Moments like this reflect what the fire service is all about: commitment, tradition, and family.

This profession comes with real challenges and stress, and at ESD 1, we recognize that taking care of our people has to be a priority. That means being intentional about how we staff, how we support our crews, and how we create an environment where both our volunteers and paid personnel can thrive.

We are committed to accommodating our team however we can because when we take care of our people, they can better take care of this county.

It’s this kind of culture that values people, family, and purpose that is drawing individuals to serve here.

And today, that commitment is on full display, sitting side by side on Engine 5.

04/15/2026

What is ISO—and why does it matter?

ISO (Insurance Services Office) measures how well a community can respond to fires.

This rating looks at things like:
• Firefighter training
• Equipment and apparatus
• Water supply
• Emergency communications

Communities receive a rating from 1 (best) to 10 (limited fire protection).

Why it matters:
Insurance companies often use ISO ratings to help determine homeowners’ insurance rates.

Palo Pinto County ESD #1 is working to improve these ratings across the county through training, coordination, and operational improvements.

⸻

03/31/2026

Engine 5 on location investigating a possible gas leak near Highway 180 and Highway 16.
Palo Pinto Volunteer Fire Dept