New Fire Stations & Staff Meet Growth Demand

**Conroe, Montgomery County Fire Departments Accelerate Expansion to Meet Explosive Growth**

**CONROE, TX –** Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) across Conroe and Montgomery County are undergoing unprecedented transformation, embarking on a full-blown sprint to keep pace with one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas. A surge in population is dramatically reshaping how these critical services are delivered, marked by a rapid rollout of new fire stations, significant staffing increases, and evolving operational strategies designed to maintain public safety.

The growth is undeniable. Montgomery County’s population has soared from 380,000 in 2000 to over 680,000 in 2022, and projections show no signs of slowing. This boom is putting immense pressure on local departments to uphold efficient response times, with an industry standard goal of reaching 90% of incidents within 6 minutes and 20 seconds from call to arrival.

**Conroe Fire Department Sees Historic Expansion**

The Conroe Fire Department (CFD) is at the epicenter of this expansion. With Conroe’s population projected to hit 140,000 by 2040, up from approximately 102,000 in 2023, the department’s call volume has skyrocketed by a dramatic 47% between 2018 and 2023, reaching 10,917 calls last year alone.

To address this escalating demand, CFD has moved quickly:
* **Station No. 7:** Opened in February 2024 at 1950 Grand Central Parkway, this brand-new facility represents an $8.7 million investment in the city’s growing northern corridor.
* **Station No. 8:** Groundbreaking is anticipated in late 2024 near FM 1314 and Loop 336, with an estimated completion in 2025-2026 and a projected cost of $10-$12 million.
* **Station No. 9:** A third new station is slated for south Conroe by 2030, reinforcing coverage in another high-growth area.

Staffing has mirrored this physical expansion. CFD added 15 firefighters in October 2023 and another 15 in early 2024, bringing their total personnel count to 180, including 150 firefighters. The department has an ambitious long-term goal of reaching 400 personnel by 2040 to adequately serve the expanding city.

“This isn’t just about building new stations; it’s about strategically positioning our resources and personnel to protect our growing community effectively,” stated Conroe Fire Chief Ken Kreger. “Our Class 1 ISO rating, achieved in February 2024, is a testament to our proactive planning and the dedication of our firefighters. It signifies top-tier readiness and can even translate to lower insurance premiums for residents and businesses.”

**Montgomery Fire Department Rises to the Challenge**

Just west of Conroe, the Montgomery Fire Department (MFD), operating under Montgomery County ESD No. 2, faces similar pressures within its rapidly expanding service area. The population it serves has swelled from 18,000 residents in 2018 to 22,000 today, with projections nearing 40,000 by 2030. MFD’s call volume reached 3,845 in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.

In response, MFD inaugurated its own new **Station No. 51** in January 2024 at 24000 FM 1097 West, an $8.5 million project designed to enhance coverage in the western part of its district. The department also bolstered its ranks by adding 12 new firefighters in January, increasing total personnel to 48. Plans are underway to hire another 12 by mid-2024 and an additional 12 in 2025, aiming for a full complement of 60. MFD also proudly holds a Class 1 ISO rating, reflecting its commitment to excellence in fire protection.

“Our growth trajectory demands constant adaptation,” said Montgomery Fire Chief Jason Oliphant. “Station 51 is critical for maintaining our rapid response capabilities, especially with new housing developments bringing thousands of families into our area. We’re investing in both infrastructure and personnel to ensure every resident receives the highest level of emergency service.”

**County-Wide Trends: EMS Dominance and Collaborative Solutions**

Beyond individual departmental expansions, the region is experiencing fundamental shifts in emergency service delivery. A major trend is the sheer volume of emergency medical calls, which now account for 70-80% of total calls for many departments, significantly overshadowing traditional fire calls. This necessitates extensive EMS training for firefighters and specialized medical equipment for every responding unit.

Funding for these massive expansions largely comes from property taxes and sales taxes collected by the various Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) that cover unincorporated areas and smaller municipalities, as well as municipal budgets for cities like Conroe. These districts are vital for providing dedicated funding streams that support local fire and EMS services.

To ensure comprehensive and seamless coverage across jurisdictional lines, departments are increasingly leveraging “automatic aid” agreements. These arrangements allow the nearest available unit, regardless of whether it’s from Conroe, Montgomery, or another ESD department, to respond to an emergency. This collaborative approach optimizes response times and ensures residents receive immediate assistance.

“The collaborative spirit among our county’s fire departments and ESDs is truly remarkable,” noted a representative from the Montgomery County Emergency Services District Commission. “As our communities grow, so does the need for cooperation. Automatic aid agreements are a prime example of how we work together to maximize resources and ensure every resident, no matter where they live in the county, has access to timely and effective emergency services.”

The path ahead for Conroe and Montgomery County’s fire and EMS departments is one of continuous growth and adaptation. With strategic investments in infrastructure, aggressive staffing plans, and strong inter-agency cooperation, they are committed to protecting the booming population and maintaining the high standard of safety the region demands.