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Fire Department

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1. When is the next firefighter entrance test date?

The next firefighter entrance exam is expected to be given on July 29, 2023. The Civil Service Entrance Exam is valid for six months from the date the test is given or until all names are exhausted from the eligibility list.  If you have any further questions, please call 903-798-3994.

Application

2. Where is the closest fire station to my residence?

Please click on the Fire Department Home page, scroll down and in the middle of the page will be a list of station address. Fire Department Home Page

3. Can I do outside burning inside the city limits?

Outdoor residential burning may be possible if approved by the Fire Marshal's Office and with the purchase of an annual permit which is $50.00. This burning is only for residential yard waste, which includes limbs, leaves, pine needles etc. Burning of household waste is not allowed.

 Other information on outdoor burning can be found in our Code of Ordinances.

4. How do I know if there is a burn ban in effect?

A burn ban is in effect at all times for the city by ordinance. Only those with a valid burn permit may burn in the city limits. County burn bans are made by the County Judge.When the County Judge issues a burn ban, we will also issue a ban on all burning in the city regardless of permits issued. Contact the Fire Administration Office at 903-798-3994 and we will assist you with this information.

5. Can you shoot fireworks inside the city?

No. It is against the law to sell, possess or shoot fireworks inside the city limits.

6. What fire station would respond to my residence?

The Texarkana Fire Department responds to fires only within the city limits of Texarkana, Texas, unless our assistance is requested by the department having primary response authority. If your residence is within the city limits of Texarkana, Texas, then the Texarkana Fire Department would respond to your residence. If your residence is not within the city limits, please call the Fire Administration Office at 903-798-3994 and we will try to assist you with this information.

7. What is the city's fire insurance rating (ISO Rating)?

Our ISO Rating is a 1 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best. This number is used by the insurance industry to determine fire insurance premiums for both commercial and residential property.

8. How do I report a complaint about a fire hazard?

Contact the Building and Life Safety Division at 903-798-3994.

9. What is a Knox Box and when is it required?

A Knox Box is a key lock box that allows safe storage of building keys in a location accessible to the Fire Department. They are required on all new commercial buildings, but may be installed on any building at the discretion of the building owner. For additional information, please see the Texarkana Fire Department fire code information sheet, Emergency Access Key Boxes.

10. What are the requirements for fire lanes in commercial construction?

Fire Lanes are required on most commercial buildings to insure adequate access to the building for emergency apparatus in the event of a fire or other emergency situation. Specific fire lane requirements can be found in the Texarkana Fire Department fire code information sheet, Fire Lanes for New Construction.

11. What is the best kind of fire extinguisher for my house?

A multipurpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look on the label for the extinguisher rating. This rating should be at least 2A:1OB:C. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C.

12. How often should I check my smoke alarm?

Recommend checking it once a month and changing the batteries twice a year.

Smoke alarms should be replace when 10 years old.

13. How many smoke detectors should I have in my house?

There should be at least one smoke detector in each sleeping area of the house, one smoke detector in a common hallway and one just outside the kitchen. You cannot have too many smoke detectors. If you would like assistance with the location or installation of smoke detectors, a home inspection, or any home fire safety problem, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 903-798-3994.

14. Will the fire department install smoke alarms and/or provide Home Fire Inspections?

Yes, please fill out a Smoke Alarm request form or call 903-798-3994  and you will be emailed or called as soon as possible.

Home Fire Inspection & Smoke Alarm Installment

15. My smoke detector is chirping, what does that mean?

It could mean battery life is low or end of life alarm of smoke detector. The alarm should be replaced every 10 years.

16. What should I do when I see or hear an emergency vehicle coming towards me when i'm driving?

You should move to the right-hand edge or curb clear of any intersection and stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.

17. How do I set up a tour of the fire station?

To set up a tour at any of our Texarkana Tx fire stations, please call 903-798-3994 or fill out Station Tour Request Form to reserve a scheduled time for your tour. Tours will be confirmed and scheduled at times that do not conflict with other scheduled departmental activities. Once Form is filled out, a confirmation reply will be provided as soon as possible.

Station Tour Request Form

18. Fire Inspections, Permit or other miscallaneous requests?

Click on link to see list of fees. If you need further information, please call fire admin at 903-798-3994

Fees