Fire Department · Volunteer
Burnet Volunteer Fire Department
Burnet, TX · Burnet County
All-volunteer · ~20 members
Full-time Firefighter/Paramedic or Paramedic Only role with annual salary $70,230-$91,728, requiring Paramedic certification and valid Class B driver's license.
Part-time firefighter/EMT or paramedic position offering hourly rates based on certifications; flexible schedule.
The Burnet Volunteer Fire Department protects the unincorporated area surrounding the City of Burnet in Central Texas, about 55 miles northwest of Austin. Organized in January 1932 after the city bought its first fire truck, the department remains all-volunteer apart from a paid administrator and today counts around 20 members responding from its station at 104 S. Rhomberg in downtown Burnet.
The department runs fire and rescue calls across the Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 7 area and responds with the Burnet Fire Department on medical calls. It is part of the Burnet County North End Task Force and gives and receives mutual aid with neighboring departments; in 2025 it logged 454 calls in its home district plus dozens more on mutual-aid and out-of-district responses. Its ten-unit fleet leans wildland-heavy - two pumper/tenders, a rescue truck, five brush units, a command truck, and a rehab/support vehicle.
Growth in the northern sector of the coverage area is driving a push for new members there, and the department hopes to add a substation near or north of the FM 2340 and Highway 281 intersection.
Joining is a volunteer membership process rather than a hiring pipeline. Prospective members fill out the interest form on the department's Join Us page - indicating interest in firefighting, EMS, or both - or pick up an application at the station on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call to arrange another time. New members are not required to become structural firefighters: members serve in whatever capacity they are comfortable with, and the department fills support roles as well. It especially needs daytime responders and members who live in the northern part of its coverage area.
Hiring process
- Submit the volunteer interest form on the department's Join Us page
- Or pick up an application at the station (104 S. Rhomberg) on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Benefits
Volunteers receive all uniforms and equipment, free training, a pension plan, and per-call defrayment potential. Membership also includes accidental death and dismemberment / line-of-duty-death insurance, membership in the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas and the National Volunteer Fire Council, and a college tuition exemption for fire service-related degrees.
Training is free to members and spans fire, EMT, hazmat, rescue, and leadership courses.
Do you have to become a structural firefighter to volunteer with the Burnet VFD?
No. Members serve in whatever capacity they are comfortable with - the department needs firefighters, EMS volunteers, and people in support roles alike, and its interest form lets applicants choose a firefighter track, an EMS track, or both.
How is the Burnet Volunteer Fire Department funded?
Primary funding comes from Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 7, supplemented by private donations, fundraisers, and grants from agencies such as the Texas Forest Service, PEC, and LCRA.
When does the Burnet Volunteer Fire Department meet?
The department holds evening business and training meetings at the station; its website calendar lists the upcoming dates.