Dongvile Volunteer Fire Department

About the Department

The Dongvile Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was organized in 1903. It provides fire protection, rescue and first-response medical service inside the city limits under an annual contract with the City of Dongvile, and in the surrounding rural fire district under a separate agreement with Brisket County. Station 1, on S Main St, is the department’s only station.

Fire Chief Otis Barnhill leads 26 active volunteer firefighters, 14 of whom are also certified emergency medical responders. The department answers about 310 calls a year, including structure fires, grass fires, vehicle crashes, rescues and medical assists. Chief Barnhill also serves as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator.

Apparatus

Unit	Year	Assignment
Engine 1	2016	Structure fires and first response
Engine 2	1987	Parades and second alarms, in that order
Brush 1	2019	Grass and wildland fires
Tanker 1	2011	Water supply for areas without hydrants (3,000 gallons)
Rescue 1	2014	Vehicle extrication, rescue tools and medical equipment

Pancake Breakfast

The VFD Pancake Breakfast is held the third Saturday of every month, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., at Station 1. Plates are $8 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Proceeds buy equipment and protective gear. Upcoming breakfasts are October 17, November 21 and December 19, 2026.

Burn Permits and the Burn Ban

Outdoor burning inside the city limits requires a burn permit from the VFD. Only brush and limbs grown on the property may be burned. Burning household trash, tires or construction debris is never allowed.

A Brisket County burn ban is in effect under a Commissioners Court order of September 22, 2026. No burn permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. Fireworks are prohibited inside the city limits at all times.

Volunteer With Us

You do not need experience to join. Applicants must be at least 18, live or work in the response area, be able to reach Station 1 within 8 minutes of an alert, hold a valid Texas driver’s license and pass a background check. The department provides turnout gear and a pager, pays tuition for state certification and reimburses $15 per call.

Drill nights are Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., at Station 1. Applications are available from Human Resources at City Hall or at the station on any drill night. See the current posting on Jobs.

Fire Safety Services

• Free smoke alarms, installed, for seniors and residents who need them
• Fire safety talks and station tours for schools and groups
• Fire inspections for new businesses, daycares and alcohol permits, coordinated with Planning & Development
• Fire Prevention Week visits to Dongvile ISD campuses each October