Wichita Falls creates wildfire and all‑hazards coordinator position within fire department

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — The Wichita Falls City Council on Nov. 18 approved an ordinance to increase the number of fire lieutenants from 28 to 29 to create a wildfire and all‑hazards coordinator position aimed at centralizing hazard mitigation and preparedness.

Fire Chief Melton told the council the new lieutenant position will lead wildfire mitigation, flood and severe weather preparedness, community education and interagency coordination. The chief said the role is intended to apply a risk‑based model to identify high‑risk areas and assign resources where they will have the greatest benefit.

“We believe by centralizing this position, it’s only gonna improve our measurables, accountability, and consistency across the board,” Chief Melton said. He described the shift from a single wildfire coordinator to an all‑hazards approach after recent flooding and wildfire trends.

Chief Melton said the position is funded through the existing budget the council previously approved and that the department will continue pursuing grants from FEMA, the U.S. Forest Service and other sources to offset project costs. He told the council the ordinance—if approved—would be effective Dec. 18 with an anticipated start date of Jan. 10, 2026.

Council members voiced support for a proactive, preventive approach. A motion was made and approved by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

The council also heard that no backfill is required for the hire because the department already has a lieutenant list and a candidate in mind. Jared Burch, who led much of the previous community wildfire protection planning work, was present for technical questions.