Black smoke that could be seen for miles billowed from an outdoor recycling center in west Houston this afternoon. Large plumes of smoke could be seen from the east and west as Houston firefighters battle two multi-alarm fires on separate side of the city.
The Houston Fire Department was established in 1838 with one station, Protection Company No. 1. It grew to a volunteer fire department status with three stations by 1859.
After having provided volunteer firefighting services for 57 years, the City of Houston Fire Department began paying its firefighters in 1895.
HFD is the fourth largest fire department in the United States and is responsible for preserving life and property to a population of more than 2 million in an area totaling 617 square miles.
