Time to Thank a Texas Firefighter

According to the Texas Forest Service, in the past seven days, Texas firecrews have responded to 149 fires covering 17,334 acres. They estimate that nearly 2,000 homes have been destroyed since Labor Day weekend. San Antonio (and other) firefighters are running pillar to post, putting out grass fires and protecting homes. We all nervously scan the horizon on a daily basis, hoping not to find yet another smoke plume or smell burning grass on the wind.

So have you thanked a firefighter today?

San Antonio Express-News crime reporter Eva Ruth Moravec (@evaruth) frequently covers fires and has a great relationship with the department. I asked her what I could do to thank our local firefighters. She gave me the phone number of the Public Affairs Office; Public Information Officer Melissa Sparks offered the following suggestions:

• In San Antonio, any homeowner can request a smoke detector by calling 2-1-1. The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) sends out a crew to explain the need for smoke detectors, installs it, shows how to operate it and demonstrates how to test the detector, all at no cost to the homeowner. Drop off smoke detectors to any station and let the crew know they’re a donation for the smoke detector installation program. Include a note to let them know how much you appreciate their service.


• Bexar County Rehab helps SAFD and other county Fire Departments by deploying air-conditioned buses (so crews can cool off), porta-potties, water and snacks for prolonged incidents. “They are an invaluable resource during these long incidents we find ourselves at these days,” said Melissa. Contact Bobby Briggs at 210-695-8598 or rvbriggs@satx.rr.com for their current needs.


• Burned Out Survivors assists victims of fires (much like the Red Cross, but BOS supports only those who have lost homes or possessions to fire). They provide clothing, furniture and monetary assistance for anyone who has suffered a fire loss.

So head out to Lowe’s, buy a few smoke detectors, and drop them off at your local station. Call Bobby Sparks to see what Bexar County Rehab needs to support these hard-working guys and gals. Contact Burned Out Survivors and find out what they’re running low on. If you don’t live in San Antonio, call your local fire department’s Public Affairs office to find out what they need.

Too often, these brave men and women go about their business without knowing how much we appreciate their efforts. It’s time to change that.

Please pass this along to your family and friends. I’ve never had a message “go viral” before—I’d love it if this turned out to be the first!