In order to protect lives and property in the unincorporated areas of Victoria County, TX, in accordance with Section 352 of the Local Government Code, the Fire Marshal’s Office will:

• investigate the origin and cause of personal injury and property loss due to fires and explosions
• provide fire and life safety inspections
• provide public education services
• collect, maintain, and analyze emergency response information to reduce injury and loss
• educate, coordinate, and improve the services of county emergency service organizations
• provide a response for hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction emergency response mitigation

Victoria County Fire Marshal's Mission Statement and Core Values:

Mission Statement

“The Victoria County Fire Marshal's Office is committed to safeguarding lives and property within our community through proactive fire prevention, thorough investigations, and comprehensive public education. Upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, the office demonstrates respect for all individuals and provides dedicated service to the citizens of Victoria County."

Core Values

Respect: Recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and fostering a culture of mutual understanding and inclusivity.

Service: Dedicated to providing outstanding assistance, support, and resources to meet the needs of others.

Commitment: Upholding promises, maintaining steadfast dedication to goals, and persevering in the face of challenges to achieve positive outcomes.

 

 

Can I shoot fireworks from or at a vehicle, boat, public roadway, public property, park, or lake?
You're not permitted to shoot fireworks from; public roadway, public property, park, or lake. It's a Class C Misdemeanor, can be fined up to $500.00.

Where can I use fireworks legally and safely?

• You may discharge fireworks in the unincorporated county, on your own private property, or on the property of another with written permission.
• Fireworks are prohibited within most cities and within 5,000 ft of most cities.
• If you shoot fireworks they must not land on adjacent property.
• Always use fireworks in open areas.
• Larger fireworks need larger, open areas.
• You should not shoot fireworks from a roadside.
• Victoria County typically has an approved fireworks shooting site.
• The County opens up Patriot Park to fireworks shooting on July 4th and on December 31st.
• Always check with the Victoria County Fire Marshal's Office to ensure the times and requirements at 361-579-9103.

What will happen if I start a fire by shooting fireworks?
If the fire is found to be started intentionally, and damages the property of another, you may be subject to the charge of Arson with a possible penalty of 2-20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.00.
If the fire is found to be accidental, and damages the property of another, you will be subject to a fine up $1,500.00. In either case you may be held civilly liable for damages.

Fire Safety Tips for County Residents
The Victoria County Fire Marshal’s Office has received many calls and questions in regards to fire safety and safe burning. Even when our area receives rain and grass appears greener, please remember to still be cautious when burning. Hopefully this information will help everyone to understand what the rules are in regard to burning and how to safely burn allowable items in Victoria County.

Always call the Victoria County Fire Marshal’s Office at 361-579-9103 or the Victoria Police Department (non-emergency Dispatch) at 361-573-3221 before burning. Let them know who you are, what you will be burning, a phone number at which you can be contacted, and the location of the controlled burning. This prevents the fire departments from showing up unnecessarily to false calls for grass and brush fires.

You can call the Victoria County Fire Marshal’s Office 24 hours a day and listen to the answering machine for burn ban status. If you need additional information, you can call us during our office hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.  Always call us for confirmation.

You may also go to the Victoria County website at www.vctx.org/firemarshal and or click on the Burn Ban link on the homepage or click on Victoria County Fire Marshal on the left side of the page under Victoria Links.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:
If you do not live in Victoria County, check the local laws on burning for your county. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely. It is a violation of city ordinance to burn within the city limits of Victoria, Texas.

Check the weather. Do not burn on dry, windy days with low relative humidity. Check to see if weather changes are expected. Outdoor burning should be postponed if shifts in wind direction, higher winds or wind gusts are forecast.

Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up. Call the Victoria County Fire Marshal’s Office, Victoria County Judge’s Office, Victoria County Sheriff’s Office, or the Victoria Police Department Dispatch to determine if bans on outdoor burning have been lifted. Look for the red triangular burn ban flags at the city and county fire stations, or Victoria County Precinct Yards. If these red flags are flying, a burn ban is in place. Also, many fire stations have burn ban signs. Burn ban signs are also posted at the county line on highways coming into Victoria County.