New stations, more firefighters planned as Conroe and ESDs face surge in calls

Montgomery County is experiencing rapid growth, which is putting pressure on fire response times. In response, local leaders are allocating millions of dollars to construct new stations and hire additional staff to meet the increasing demand for services.

Construction has commenced on Conroe Fire Station No. 8, located on the eastern side of the city. Fire Chief Paul Sims noted that the development of new subdivisions and a rise in call volume have led to extended response times.

Sims expressed confidence that the changes would enhance response times and optimize workload distribution. Officials have reported that the future Station [No.] 8 region and the northern part of the city currently exhibit the longest response times.

The station is expected to reach near completion by mid-August. The city has allocated funds for the project as part of its capital improvement program. The total costs for design and construction have reached $4.99 million, with an additional budget of $350,000 to $400,000 allocated for furnishings and equipment. The engine and associated equipment were acquired for approximately $1 million, bringing the cumulative investment to around $6.4 million.

Montgomery County Emergency Services Districts No. 2 and No. 3 are set to expand their operations, signaling a major shift in local emergency services.

In ESD 3, Station No. 31 commenced operations in 2023, replacing a facility that had been in service since 1991. Chief Keith Soliz announced that the district currently manages almost twice as many facilities as three decades ago. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the county has experienced a population increase of approximately 15% since 2020.

The increase in call volume indicates significant growth. Emergency Services District 2 reported a significant increase in call volume over the years, responding to 3,736 calls in 2020 and 4,729 in 2022, and is projected to reach 5,100 by 2025. ESD 3 received a significant increase in calls, from 1,240 in 2020 to 2,236 in 2025.

Challenges persist in staffing efforts.

“The current hiring landscape is highly competitive, with a notable increase in the number of departments seeking new employees compared to a decade or more ago,” Soliz stated.

ESD 3 has expanded its workforce, now employing 75 firefighters, a notable increase from the 58 personnel reported in 2022. The Conroe Fire Department has increased its workforce to 151 personnel, up from 142 four years prior.

The National Fire Protection Association has established NFPA 1710 standards that require emergency response teams to arrive at the scene within 5 minutes and 33 seconds, achieving this goal 90% of the time following dispatch. Sims reported that numerous rapidly expanding communities face challenges in achieving that objective.

Emergency Services District 2 reports an average response time of approximately 6 minutes, whereas Emergency Services District 3 reports an average of about 6 minutes and 36 seconds. Traffic congestion on FM 2854 is contributing to delays for units during peak hours.

According to Sims, the city of Conroe reports that its dispatch-to-arrival time at the 90th percentile in 2025 is approximately 9 minutes and 20 seconds across the city. Officials anticipate that Station No. 8 will enhance coverage; however, they caution that it will require approximately one year of data to fully assess its impact.

Sims stated, “Our distance, density, call volume, and unit availability contribute to increased response times.” “The reduction in response times is expected to enhance coverage significantly.”

Upcoming initiatives feature enhancements at Grand Central Park and the establishment of a new station in The Woodlands Hills. Additionally, ESD 3 is set to commence construction on Station 35 in early 2027. ESD 2 is developing a logistics and administration building to enhance its operational capabilities.

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