ESD9 unveils new equipment for the Round Rock Fire Department Wildlands Team
Big News for Wildfire Safety in Williamson County!
Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD9) recently made a powerful investment in our community’s safety—unveiling a brand-new fleet of cutting-edge wildland firefighting equipment for the Round Rock Fire Department (RRFD) Wildland Team.
As one of the fastest-growing areas in Texas, Williamson County faces heightened wildfire threats due to rapid development, dry seasons, and increasing population density. This upgraded gear is a major boost to our firefighting capabilities, ensuring our first responders are equipped with the latest technology to act quickly, efficiently, and safely when wildfires strike.
This new fleet was thoughtfully chosen to meet the evolving demands of wildland fire response. It represents a vital investment in protecting lives, property, and the safety of our communities.
We’re proud to work hand-in-hand with local agencies like the Round Rock Fire Department to keep our communities safe, prepared, and resilient.
Read more about this exciting development: https://communityimpact.com
Watch Fox 7 Austin’s coverage of the RRFD Unveiling its New Wildland Firefighting Equipment.
See the Round Rock Fire Department Wildlands Team Reaction to Their New Equipment!
The Board of Commissioners of Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (WCESD 9) has placed a sales and use tax proposition (Proposition A) on the ballot for the upcoming election on Saturday, May 3, 2025. If approved by voters, this proposition would allow the District to collect up to 2% of the local sales and use tax in areas that have not yet reached the state’s maximum rate of 8.25%. The funds raised would be used to support emergency services and meet the growing needs of the District as the county continues to grow. 🗳️ Election Day : Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Early voting was completed April 21–29, 2025. Addressing Emergency Services Needs in a Growing Williamson County As one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, Williamson County is placing increasing demands on its emergency response systems. A local sales and use tax provides a way to help fund essential emergency services without increasing property tax rates. This approach supports long-term financial sustainability for WCESD 9 while continuing to meet the public safety needs of the community. How Sales Tax Funds Will Be Used The revenue from the sales tax would go towards: Meeting Rising Demand for Emergency Services : Williamson County has grown by approximately 20%, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. As development expands beyond city limits into rural areas, the need for well-coordinated emergency services increases. Enhancing Wildland and Search & Rescue Resources : A modernized regional approach to wildland firefighting and search and rescue operations improves response times and interagency coordination. Mitigating Risks in Wildland and Greenbelt Areas : Extended droughts and severe weather events have heightened fire risks for property owners. For details on polling locations, FAQs, ballot language, and more, visit our Elections page: https://www.wilcoesd9.org/election-information To learn more about the proposed sales tax measure and its impact on local emergency services, read Community Impact's coverage here: https://communityimpact.com
The Williamson County Commissioners Court has lifted the burn ban for unincorporated areas of Williamson County today, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, effective immediately. Please be cautious with any outdoor burning activity. Outdoor burning must be conducted under state regulations found in Texas Administrative Code Section 30 TAC 111.219. Prior to conducting control burns, please take the following steps: Please contact your local fire department – Some fire departments may require a Burn Permit. Please call and report your control burn to Williamson County Communications at (512) 864-8282. Williamson County Communications should be able to inform you of any burning restrictions that Williamson County Communications has been made aware of and that may exist.
