Wimberley Fire Rescue reports 2,442 calls in 2024; seeks ISO reevaluation, paramedic training and new station land

Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Robbins told the Wimberley City Council on Jan. 16 that Hays County Emergency Service District No. 4 responded to 2,442 calls for service in 2024, including 29 structure fires, 1,709 medical incidents and more than 215 vehicle crashes.

Robbins said the district covers roughly 135 square miles and supports automatic mutual aid boxes beyond its border. "In 2024 we were paged out to 2,442 calls for service," he said, and noted the department ran 817 calls inside the City of Wimberley itself.

The presentation compared the department’s workload to NFPA 1710 staffing recommendations and national averages for call types. Robbins said the national average is that about 15% of incidents are fire-related and 85% are medical; Hays County ESD 4 logged roughly 30% fire and 70% medical across the district, and within the City of Wimberley calls were about 21% fire and 79% medical. He said the department’s current initial staffing model is six personnel, while NFPA 1710 recommends about 15 for a residential structure fire and 20–30 for commercial fires.

Robbins highlighted the department’s 2024 training and certification totals: 4,264 continuing education hours, 48 new certifications and about 205 total qualifications among 29 paid and part‑time personnel. He said those qualifications helped crews limit loss at notable incidents, including a commercial working fire at King Feed that Robbins said was placed in overhaul with a small crew and a relatively low water flow. "We were on location in less than 4 minutes," Robbins said of that incident.

Department goals for 2025 include enrolling six personnel in paramedic school so engines can eventually provide Advanced Life Support, pursuing an ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating reevaluation to help mitigate insurance cancellations, and seeking conveyance of land adjacent to the Wimberley Independent School District for a possible new station. Robbins said the last ISO evaluation occurred when the department operated as a volunteer organization; since then staffing, training and equipment have changed.

Robbins addressed wildland and brush‑fire readiness: the department ran 106 outside / brush fires in 2024 and has the ability to mobilize brush trucks and tenders quickly. He noted only 11 acres in the 135‑square‑mile service area have hydrants, and that mutual‑aid task forces from Hays County and other jurisdictions supplement local response for large incidents.

Council members and staff asked about evacuation procedures and public notification; Robbins said the county uses reverse 911 and that Wimberley coordinates with Hays County Emergency Management, schools and churches to identify temporary shelters when needed. He also described community engagement activities and the department’s combined apparatus strategy intended to increase operational flexibility while saving costs.

The presentation closed with Robbins offering contact information and thanking council and residents for support.

Ending: Robbins told council members the department will continue training and pursue the ISO review and land conveyance steps, and he said staff will circulate follow‑up information to council as plans progress.