Demographics Overview
Population of 5,842 (approx. 2,400 within City of Rio Hondo)
Service an area of 153 sq. miles (97,920 acres)
Provides services of:
- Structural Fire Suppression
- Wild land Fire Suppression
- Emergency Medical Response
- Occasional Fire Prevention
Planning services of
- Maritime Operations/ Firefighting
- Rescue Operational Level
Demographics Overview
Zone 4 is primarily rural with agricultural and residential areas. We have several RV parks and mobile home sites that are used as residential as well.
Rio Hondo Water Works and East Rio Hondo Water Company are the main suppliers, with limited hydrants within the City of Rio Hondo. Waterways, such as the Arroyo Colorado and several canals are the only areas for drafting.
Demographics Overview
Specific sites of service
- Rio Hondo School District
- Port of Harlingen (east side of the Arroyo Colorado)
- Wilbur Ellis
- Fuel Depot on Arroyo Colorado
Demographics Overview
FY2015, we have a operating budget of $97,970.00
- $25,000.00 annually for lease on Engine 1
- $45,000.00 annually for purchase and maintenance of equipment, fuel, and general supplies
- $28,000.00 annually for administrative and operational costs
Demographics Overview
- We carry a roster of 11 personnel at different levels of training, 8 of which have completed Module 4 skill level. The majority of these firefighters are full time with local agencies, which creates a staffing issue.
- We have had a high turnover rate, losing several trained personnel this past fiscal year.
Where We Are
Currently in a process of rebuilding the Rio Hondo Volunteer Fire Dept. both administratively with new personnel and updated policies and SOPs and physically with nearly $10,000.00 being spent in this quarter on maintenance for the equipment and vehicles.