About Hutto Fire Rescue

Hutto Fire Rescue serves a 63 square mile area of Central Texas which has experienced massive population growth. As of the 2000 United States of America Census, Hutto had a population of 1250 persons with an estimated population in the coverage area for Hutto Fire Rescue of approximately 5,000. At the end of 2005 the City of Hutto was over 12,000 and the service area for Hutto Fire Rescue was estimated at over 39,000. This growth is driven in large part by the construction of State Highway 130 (SH130) thru Hutto. SH130 parallels the IH-35 corridor which runs thru Austin and Central Texas. Williamson County in general, and Hutto in particular is recognized as one of the fastest growing areas in Texas. This growth trend is not expected to slow for many years to come.

Throughout the history of Hutto Fire Rescue, the Hutto community has seen many changes to the fire department. The first known action by the volunteer fire department in Hutto was around 1896. This was the “Great Fire” which destroyed the original Business District located south of the present railroad tracks in Hutto. At that time the community bucket brigade was used to battle this blaze.

In 1902 the bucket brigade was again called into action to battle a major fire which destroyed half a city block. This fire took place in an area bordered by East and Farley Streets. Cisterns and shallow wells in the area were the major source of water used to battle this blaze. Mule team drawn water wagons were used to bring water from the well at the Round Bale Gin, which is the site of the old Hutto Coop Grain Tanks on highway U.S. 79.


A short time after the 1902 fire, Hutto’s first fire station was erected and the first alarm system implemented. The original site of the fire station was on the north side of Farley Street, midway between East Street and the old Taylor Highway, now FM 1660. The alarm system consisted of a bell mounted on a metal tower. At about this time the first firefighting apparatus, a hand-operated pumper, was also purchased and placed in operation.

In 1910, one year before the incorporation of the City of Hutto, a private water works was installed in the city. This included a new well, water tower, and three-inch wooden water mains. However, within a short time the wooden mains began to rot and were replaced by four-inch iron pipe and fire hydrants. The improvement to the water delivery system made it possible for the purchase of a hand-operated hose reel that would lay hose from a fire to a hydrant.

A major event in the history of the Hutto Volunteer Fire Department was the purchase of the first motor powered fire truck. This new technology apparatus was a 1920 Model A Ford with a front mounted pump, hose, ladder, and axe. The September 6, 1929 edition of the Hutto Herald stated:”Hutto is well protected against fires. It is a dandy fire truck, coupled with plenty of water, which gives us ample means of firefighting fires at all times”. Shortly after the arrival of the new fire apparatus, a new one-bay fire station was built to replace the original facility. This new fire house was located on East Street in the alley midway between highway U.S. 79 and Farley Street. The fire bell and tower were also moved to this new location.

In the 1950’s it became evident that the Hutto community again needed a new fire truck. Because of this the Hutto Volunteer Fire Department purchased a new 1951 Chevrolet fire truck. This truck had a larger capacity pump, 1500 feet of 2 1/2 inch fire hose, 300 feet of 1 1/2 fire hose and 1 inch boosted line, and a 500 gallon water tank. It was also determined that a second truck to be able to fight grass fires more efficiently was needed. A used 1953 Ford bread truck was purchased. Hutto Volunteer Fire Department members and area farmers equipped this truck with a 400 gallon water tank, 100 foot boosted line and a PTO pump.

Then in the early 1970’s to modernize the department, the Hutto Volunteer Fire Department purchased a new fire truck to replace the aging 1951 model. A 1974 Ford one-ton truck was purchased. Members of the department equipped this truck with a bed, PTO pump, and a boosted tank. This truck was equipped to be a quick response and grass fire truck. In 1977 a bay was added to the fire station to house the added equipment.

A memorable year for the Hutto Volunteer Fire Department occurred in 1981. During that year the Hutto Volunteer Fire Department received its Charter from the State of Texas and the Hutto Community Volunteer Fire Department was founded. Also during 1981, to meet the needs of its growing community, the Hutto Community Volunteer Fire Department made preparations to build a new larger fire house which was located at West Street and Pecan Street. Two more replacement fire stations have been built during the history of Hutto’s fire department. The first was at West Street and Pecan Street, across from the previous fire hall, and the final was the present day fire station located at 501 Exchange Boulevard. Each time, the replacement facility was due to increasing demands for services, more personnel, and more fire apparatus.

Through the history of the fire department serving the Hutto community, the fire department has grown from an all volunteer department into a combination paid/volunteer fire department. The transition from volunteer to combination has been driven in part by explosive population increases throughout the Central Texas area. In 2000 the Williamson County Emergency Services District #3 was approved by the voters of the area. This governing body provided a revenue stream from taxes to provide equipment and apparatus for the Hutto Community Volunteer Fire Department. In 2002, the Hutto Community Volunteer Fire Department began paying off-duty firefighters from other local fire departments to staff the station during the day in 12 hour shifts. At night, volunteer members of the department continued to respond to all emergency calls. In 2005, the Hutto Community Volunteer Fire Department changed its name to Hutto Fire Rescue to better reflect its changing capabilities, responsibilities, and role in the community. That same year, 24 hour paid firefighter staffing began with one engine being staffed by two firefighters. By 2006, staffing was increased to three firefighters per day. By the end of 2007, staffing had increased to five, with three firefighters on one engine, and 2 more firefighters on a squad. There are now three full-time fire Lieutenants employed by Williamson County Emergency Services District #3 that work 24 hours on-duty/48 hours off-duty. The remaining part-time firefighters are used on a rotating basis as needed to ensure five firefighter per day staffing. The Williamson County Emergency Services District #3 also employs one full time administrative assistant, a part-time fire inspector, and a full-time fire chief.

In 2005, the emergency call volume had increased 42%; from 489 to 688 calls. This increase in call volume has continued to grow as the community has grown, and by the end of 2007 just over 1,000 annual requests for emergency services from Hutto Fire Rescue were received.

Today’s Hutto Fire Rescue responds to all fires, motor vehicle collisions, and emergency medical situations throughout the Hutto community (which incorporate the City of Hutto ETJ). EMS is provided by Williamson County EMS. There is an ambulance staffed full-time in Hutto (housed in the fire station) by Williamson County Paramedics. There are also staffed units in Taylor and Round Rock to respond to Hutto as needed. All Hutto Fire Rescue full-time paid and part-time paid firefighters are trained to at least the Emergency Medical Technician level. An overwhelming majority of the time, Hutto Fire Rescue is the first on the scene in the event of a medical emergency.

While there have been many individuals that have served as firefighters protecting the Hutto community, only a select few have held the honor of holding the highest position in the fire department. In 1950, increasing demands made it necessary for the Hutto City Council to appoint an Official Fire Chief. They appointed local businessman, G. M. (Pete) Gainer to fill this position. He served as Chief of the Hutto Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement in 1973. A complete listing of the individuals to serve as the Hutto fire chief includes:

Hutto Fire Rescue is destined to write more history. As the Central Texas area continues to grow, so will the City of Hutto. And consequently, Hutto Fire Rescue will continue to grow to meet the ever increasing demands for service delivery.