Panhandle Fire

06/17/2026

We recently conducted advanced extrication training, utilizing rescue jacks to lift a vehicle, thereby enabling the safe removal of the roof and its subsequent use as a backboard to extricate a patient. Additionally, the jacks were employed to stabilize a vehicle positioned on its side. This training also included techniques for cutting the roof to gain access into the vehicle. We extend our gratitude to Panhandle EMS for their assistance and collaboration, which enhanced our learning experience and will ultimately aid in our response to future accidents. Furthermore, we would like to express our appreciation to Wyatt Garton for instructing us in specialized techniques and providing access to battery-powered extrication tools, thereby expanding our department's capabilities.

06/09/2026

As summer gets into full swing, many families are enjoying time outdoors, including visits to local pools, lakes, and other swimming areas. While these activities create lasting memories and provide great opportunities for fun, they also serve as an important reminder about water safety.

To help keep everyone safe this summer, we have attached valuable water safety tips, prevention strategies, and recommendations for families. These resources can help reduce the risk of drowning whether you are swimming at home, visiting a community pool, or spending time at a lake.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that every child in our community has a fun, healthy, and safe summer. We encourage all parents, caregivers, and family members to take a few moments to review these important safety reminders and share them with others. Together, we can help prevent tragedies and keep our community safe.

Read these drowning risk statistics to help you and your family be safer around water whether it's a pond, pool or other source.

06/08/2026

It seems that every year, wildfire season arrives with increasing unpredictability. Unfortunately, this year is shaping up much like some of the most severe wildfire seasons we have experienced in the past.

Wildfires are starting earlier, burning longer, and posing greater risks to our communities. As your local fire department, we are committed to ensuring our residents are informed, educated, and prepared to take steps that can help protect their lives, families, and property.

Every member of our community is valued. Our goal is to provide you with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to better prepare for wildfire incidents and reduce the risks they present.

Below, you will find information about the NFPA Firewise program, a nationally recognized model designed to help homeowners and communities become more resilient to wildfires and better prepared for wildfire season.

Preparation today can make a significant difference tomorrow. Prepare for the worst, and pray for the best.

06/06/2026

Monday night, members of our fire department participated in Common Vehicle Operations Training, further enhancing the skills and knowledge necessary to serve our community safely and effectively.

This training focused on several critical areas, including:

Scene Safety: Securing accident scenes to protect victims, responders, and the public.
Vehicle Stabilization: Utilizing proper techniques to stabilize damaged vehicles and prevent further injury during rescue operations.
Extrication Tool Operations: Gaining hands-on experience with specialized rescue tools and equipment used in vehicle extrications.
Patient Care: Reinforcing the importance of providing medical care and support to trapped occupants throughout the rescue process.

Training is a cornerstone of emergency response readiness. By continually developing our skills, we ensure that our personnel are prepared to respond confidently and professionally when our community needs us most.

As always, we remain committed to our mission of being a leading emergency services organization by meeting the needs of our community through fire prevention, fire suppression, rescue operations, and an all-hazards approach to emergency response. We are honored to serve and will continue striving for excellence in everything we do.

06/02/2026

This evening, the drawing took place for the 50/50 raffle that was introduced during our open house event. We extend our gratitude to all individuals who purchased raffle tickets in support of our department. The raffle winner is William Fowler.

06/01/2026

Would like to say thank you to The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle for your dedicated support and generous donation to Panhandle Fire and all the surrounding departments within the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.

05/20/2026

Please see the areas of concern that we have circled in red on the map.

Whether it gets mowed as short or possible or a fire break gets put in, these measures can help to reduce the spread of a wildfire with slowing down its progress

05/20/2026

The amount of destruction our area has experienced over the past several days has been truly devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have suffered the loss of homes, property, livelihoods, and other valued possessions.

In response, our department has been conducting assessments throughout the town of Panhandle and has identified several areas of concern where homeowners and landowners may be able to implement fire mitigation practices to help reduce fire spread and lessen potential impacts should a wildfire threaten our community.

Attached is information regarding the National Fire Protection Association Firewise Program, which provides guidance and resources designed to help homeowners reduce wildfire risks. The program outlines practical steps ranging from removing combustible materials around structures to implementing additional mitigation strategies that can improve a property’s defensibility during a wildfire event.

We encourage everyone to review this valuable preparedness information and consider taking proactive steps to help protect their homes and property.

By working together and doing our part, we can help make our community as safe and resilient as possible in the face of wildfire threats.

There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home.

05/17/2026

As we entered this wildfire season, we anticipated a challenging year. However, the severity and intensity of the wildfire threat has exceeded expectations.

Many fire departments across the region are now facing critical shortages of supplies, hydration resources, snacks, and financial support while continuing to respond to ongoing incidents and protect their communities.

The Panhandle Fire Department is not immune to these challenges and is currently in need of the following donations:

Hydration
• Gatorade / Powerade
• Bottled water (large quantities needed)
• Liquid IV, HydroMATE electrolyte powder, and flavored single-serve drink packets for bottled water

Snacks
• Granola bars
• Beef jerky
• Chips
• Mixed nuts
• Trail mix
• Gum

Medical & Hygiene Supplies
• Individual lens wipes
• Alcohol swabs
• Saline solution
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer

Monetary Donations
Please make donations payable to:

Panhandle Fire Department
Fund: Donations
P.O. Box 129
Panhandle, TX 79068

Drop-Off Locations for Consumable Donations

Primary Location:
Panhandle Fire Department
209 W. Broadway
Panhandle, TX 79068

Secondary Location:
Panhandle Montessori Preschool
Attn: Torry Urban
503 Pecan Ave
Panhandle, TX 79068

We sincerely appreciate the continued support of our community. Your generosity helps ensure our firefighters have the resources needed to continue serving and protecting others during this demanding wildfire season.

05/15/2026

The Panhandle Fire Department has been busy recently responding to numerous grassfires across the area, and yesterday was no exception.

What began as a grassfire quickly escalated into a fast-moving wildfire within moments. Situations like these remind us how grateful we are for the strong partnerships and the spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors” within the fire service community.

Our department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the following agencies and individuals for their assistance and support:

Pantex Fire Department
Armstrong County Fire
Fritch Fire Department
Phillips 66 Wildland Unit
Crutch Ranch Fire Department
Borger Fire Department
6666 Ranch Fire Department
Groom Fire Department
White Deer Fire Department
Skellytown Fire Department
Texas A&M Forest Service
Carson County Sheriff’s Office
JP Terry Chavez
EMC Stormy Heider
Carson County Dispatch
Potter County Fire Rescue
Carson County Judge
CEFCO for the pizza

Without the dedication and swift response of these brave men and women, this wildfire could have crossed the PNR tracks and continued north toward Highway 136 west of Borger. Because of their efforts, a significant amount of farmland and livestock was protected.

To every firefighter, dispatcher, emergency responder, and volunteer involved — thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and service to our communities.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”