HOUSTON — The International Association of Fire Fighters released a study on June 9, 2026, recommending a $95.5 million investment in the Houston Fire Department. The study proposes adding 65 ambulances and building 10 new fire stations to the existing 93.
The study found that the number of emergency service calls in Houston increased between 2018 and 2024 as the population grew. During the last 200 days of the 2018-2024 study period, more than 200 emergency incidents occurred when no medic units were available.
Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, stated that the city needs to invest more in its emergency services. "We don't have enough resources, and we have got to invest and add ambulances and fire trucks and stations to the city of Houston." Lancton said. Operating one ambulance costs approximately $700,000 per year, and building a new fire station costs between $5 million and $10 million, according to him.
Houston's target emergency response time for the fire department is four minutes. A map included in the study indicates that in many areas of Houston, response times are approximately twice as long as the four-minute target. He added, "They are real investments that have to be focused on, and we want to have those dialogues and conversations in an open way with the public."
The mayor stated that the timing of the report is questionable and does not account for departmental reorganizations and audits implemented after taking office in 2024. The association plans to continue engaging with city council members and the public regarding the study's recommendations.