What are the powers and duties of a municipal fire department?

The powers and duties of municipal fire departments in Texas are governed by the Local Government Code. Generally, municipal fire departments have the power to protect the lives and property of citizens from fires, hazardous materials, and other emergencies. To do this, municipal fire departments battle fires, administer first aid and medical care, respond to hazardous materials spills or other emergency situations, investigate the cause of fires, conduct public education programs, and enforce local laws related to fire safety. Additionally, municipal fire departments may respond to requests for medical aid, natural disasters, and other emergency incidents. Municipal fire departments are responsible for establishing and maintaining a firefighting force consisting of volunteers, career personnel, or a combination thereof. The department is also responsible for equipping and maintaining the fire stations, fire apparatus, and other specialized equipment necessary for their operations. Lastly, municipal fire departments are required to compile and maintain records of their operations, including the number and types of fire calls, firefighting activities, the response time of personnel, and the number of injuries or deaths associated with a particular incident. These records are important for gauging the performance and effectiveness of the department and for long-term budgeting and planning.

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