Penelope VFD

09/04/2026

9/4/2026 - Update regarding restricting certain types of fireworks

Late last night, Judge Brassell received an update informing us that Governor Abbott approved our request to extend the Fireworks restrictions in the unincorporated areas of Hill County.

The following fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of the County until Monday, 9/17/26 at 10 PM:

1. Bottle rockets and other skyrockets with sticks;
2. Missiles with fins;
3. Ground blooms; and
4. Other similar fireworks that, because of their design, operation, sparks, flame, or movement, present an extraordinary risk of igniting dry grass, vegetation, or other combustible material.

A local disaster was declared on 9/1, which extended our Burn Ban and remains in effect until 10/31 unless rescinded or modified earlier.

08/22/2026

8/22 1:00 PM (Delayed) - Grass fire rekindle, HCR 3406:

Multiple agencies responded to a grass fire rekindle on HCR 3406 this afternoon. All units have since cleared but were out there for hours.

Responding agencies were: Mertens Fire, Bynum Fire, Hillsboro Fire, Penelope Fire, Milford Fire and Hill County OEM.

This rekindle burned an additional 20 acres. If you see smoke anywhere in the county please immediately call 911. It’s extremely dry and with the low humidity and winds, these grass fires spread quickly.

Also, our Volunteers need supplies! Gatorade, Liquid IV etc.

08/21/2026

Update 11:30 AM: Fire is 100% contained

8/21 Large Grass Fire, 100BLK of HCR 3406, Malone:

Multiple Fire Departments are onscene of a large, approximately 40 acre grass fire. Please avoid the area.

Responding agencies are: Bynum Fire, Hillsboro Fire, Penelope Fire, Milford Fire, Blooming Grove Fire, Navarro Mills Fire, Frost Fire, Itasca Fire, Hubbard Fire, Abbott Fire and Hill County OEM.

08/20/2026

Big thanks to White Bluff VFD Rehab unit for come out to help keep all the volunteers safe.

08/20/2026

Thank you for your continued support of our local volunteer firefighter.

08/17/2026

We are still under a burn ban!!!

8/17: FIRE DANGER — Hill County, Texas

Outdoor burning is restricted in the unincorporated areas of Hill County. If you see smoke or flames, please call 911.

Very hot and predominantly dry conditions are expected across Hill County through the next 10 days. High temperatures will generally range from the upper 90s to around 105°F, with peak heat index values around 105–107°F. Afternoon relative humidity is expected to remain low, generally around 23–30%, contributing to continued drying of vegetation. Rain chances remain near 0%, with no significant rainfall currently indicated. Winds are expected to remain generally 5–10 mph, predominantly from the south to southwest, with occasional afternoon and evening gusts around 15–20 mph. The combination of prolonged triple-digit heat, low relative humidity, minimal rainfall, and periodic breezy conditions will continue to support elevated fire-weather concerns across Hill County.

08/12/2026

As we head back into the start of school in the area be mindfully of the school busses and the safty of the students.

08/04/2026

8/4/26: Hill County Commissioners order a 60 day burn ban

This morning in Commissioners Court the Hill County Commissioners ordered a 60 day burn ban.

The order prohibits outdoor activities that produce flames or sparks that could start a fire, including the reckless disposal of burning materials. Violations are a Class C misdemeanor and may result in a fine of up to $500.

Outdoor cooking is still allowed when:
• It is attended at all times by a responsible person
• A way to call 911 is available
• A fire extinguisher or pressurized water source is kept nearby

Welding, cutting, and grinding may continue under specific safety requirements, including:
• Winds of 20 mph or less
• A dedicated fire watch
• Access to 911
• A fire extinguisher or pressurized water source on site

The burn ban will remain in effect for up to 60 days unless it is lifted earlier by the County Judge or Commissioners Court.

Please use extreme caution and help protect our residents, firefighters, and property.

A copy of the signed order will be placed in the comments and linked here once I receive it from the County Clerk.

06/20/2026

Please avoid this area!