Elderville-Lakeport VFD

09/08/2026

On September 7, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m., the Elderville Lakeport Fire Department was dispatched to the area of the 6300 block of FM 349 for a reported vehicle fire threatening nearby property.

Upon arrival, firefighters located one vehicle fully involved in fire, with the fire having already spread into approximately two acres of a young pine plantation. Due to dry vegetation and fire conditions, the fire was moving rapidly through the area.

The fire ultimately burned just under seven acres before being contained.

The Texas A&M Forest Service responded to the scene along with the Kilgore Fire Department and Kilgore Rescue Unit to assist with suppression operations. A fireline was constructed around the perimeter of the fire using a forestry plow. Firefighters also conducted controlled backburning operations along portions of the fireline.

What is a backburn?
A backburn is a firefighting tactic in which firefighters intentionally burn vegetation in a controlled manner between an established fireline and the advancing wildfire. This removes grass, brush, pine litter, and other available fuels that could allow the wildfire to continue spreading. By creating a wider area with little or no remaining fuel, firefighters strengthen the firebreak and reduce the likelihood of the fire crossing the containment line.

Crews continued suppression and mop-up operations until approximately 8:00 p.m., when fire department units cleared the scene.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, and Gregg County Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to the incident. The circumstances surrounding the vehicle fire and subsequent wildland fire were being investigated by the appropriate agencies.

Josh Stelly
Public Information Officer
Elderville Lakeport Fire Department
jstelly@elvfd.

09/08/2026

09/07/2026

On September 5, 2026, the Elderville Lakeport Fire Department, along with the Kilgore Fire Department and Kilgore Rescue Unit, were dispatched to County Road 2105 for the report of an RV on fire.

Upon arrival, units located an RV that was approximately 90% involved in fire. Fire crews initiated suppression operations and successfully extinguished the fire. Crews then conducted overhaul operations to ensure all remaining hot spots were extinguished.

No occupants were inside the RV at the time of the incident, and it was determined that no one was residing in the RV at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire is not under investigation at this time.

09/05/2026

Units from Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department, Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Rusk County Electric Cooperative are currently on scene of an approximately 3-acre fire on County Road 272.

The fire is approximately 95% contained at this time. Crews are continuing mop-up operations, extinguishing hot spots, and working toward final containment.

09/04/2026

They always say when one door closes, another one opens.

On Monday, one of the original doors in the history of the Elderville Lakeport Fire Department closed for the final time under our ownership.

Elderville Lakeport Fire Department was formed in 1975. Shortly thereafter, the department acquired a building on FM 2011, just north of State Highway 322. That building became the department’s first true fire station and played an important role in shaping ELVFD into what it is today.

Throughout the years, fire apparatus came and went through its doors. The station hosted countless training sessions, department meetings, and community events, and it was home to some of the department’s earliest fire apparatus. For many years, it was quite simply the home of the Elderville Lake Port Fire Department.

In 1992, a new fire station was constructed just south of Highway 322 on FM 2011. That building became what we now know as Fire Station No. 1 and continues to house several pieces of frontline apparatus today.

But the original station’s service to the department was far from over.

As ELVFD continued to grow, the original station transitioned into our maintenance facility. Because our members perform approximately 90% of our apparatus maintenance in-house, the building remained busy. Everything from routine oil changes and repairs to major engine replacements, equipment maintenance, and air-pack testing has taken place inside those walls.

There was just one problem: our trucks kept getting bigger, but the building didn’t.

On Monday, August 31, 2026, the Elderville Lakeport Fire Department completed the sale of our original fire station. While it is bittersweet to say goodbye to a building that has been part of this department for roughly half a century, its sale represents another step forward.

Our plans for the future include constructing a new, larger maintenance facility designed to accommodate today’s apparatus and provide our members with the space and capabilities needed to continue maintaining our fleet for years to come.

Buildings come and go, but the history made inside them remains.

For decades, this building served our firefighters and our community. It watched generations of members walk through its doors, apparatus change, equipment evolve, and a small fire department established in 1975 grow into the organization it is today.

So, this isn’t merely the closing of a chapter.

We’re moving on to the next book.

09/03/2026

Units are currently on scene off FM 782 after an illegal outdoor burn spread and caught a nearby residence on fire.

The fire is contained at this time, but crews will remain on scene for an extended period conducting overhaul and mopping up hot spots.

This is another reminder of why we continue to ask everyone NOT TO BURN. Conditions remain dangerous, and what starts as a small fire can quickly spread to homes and other property.

09/02/2026

We know, we know it rained!

Yes, we’re thankful for every drop we received. Unfortunately, the rainfall was not enough to significantly change our current dry conditions or lift the burn bans.

Both Gregg and Rusk Counties remain under burn bans, and outdoor burning is NOT permitted.

A little rain helps but we’re not out of the woods yet!

09/01/2026

Today at approximately 5:15 PM, the Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department was dispatched to a reported outside fire threatening nearby structures and property.

Upon arrival, crews found approximately two acres of hayfield burning, along with multiple hay bales involved in the fire. Crews immediately began suppression operations to contain the fire and protect nearby property.

After approximately an hour and a half of firefighting operations, the fire was brought under control with assistance from the property owner, Longview Fire Department, and the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Conditions are not getting any better. Even with rain in the forecast, our area remains extremely dry, and the potential for fires to ignite, spread rapidly, and threaten homes and property continues to increase.

08/27/2026

The Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department would like to extend a sincere thank you to Siddons-Martin Emergency Group and Sales Representative T.J. Lewis for their generous donation of bottled water to our department.

With the extreme heat and demanding conditions our firefighters have been working in recently, staying hydrated is critical. This generous donation will be put to good use and is greatly appreciated by all of our members.

08/24/2026

On August 23, 2026, at approximately 10:52 p.m., the Kilgore Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 500 block of Camp Street.

First-arriving units encountered heavy smoke coming from the second story of a two-story residence. Mutual aid was requested, and the Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department responded to assist Kilgore Fire and Kilgore Rescue with firefighting operations.

Due to significant access issues, an aerial device was utilized to knock down the bulk of the fire on the second floor. Once conditions allowed, crews began interior operations and encountered additional challenges, including numerous obstructions and a partial roof collapse that made accessing remaining areas of fire extremely difficult.

After nearly three hours of firefighting and overhaul operations, the fire was completely extinguished.

This short video provides a look at some of the operations from the incident.

We appreciate the hard work and cooperation of all agencies and personnel involved.