As Denton grows rapidly, its fire department adapts to rising calls, new stations and modern challenges.
DALLAS — Once a modest town of just 370 residents in the 1870s, Denton’s history was documented in black-and-white photographs that provide a glimpse into its humble beginnings. The small-town fire department, established in those early years, has grown alongside the community.
Fast forward to today, Denton is now a thriving city of 168,000 residents with no signs of slowing down. And with that comes challenges.
Preparing for Growth
Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges has witnessed this transformation firsthand. 29 years ago, he chose to join the Denton Fire Department, drawn to the city’s promise.
“I knew the growth would be prominent in this area,” said Hedges about Denton. “It’s a great location for the family to move here and really accomplish and grow.”
But with new residents, businesses, and homes, Denton’s fire department faces increasing demands. In 2024, the department handled over 23,000 calls for service — an average annual increase of 10%.
“In the next ten years, it would be another 60 to 70 new positions required to maintain our growth,” Hedges explained.
Challenges of a Growing City
Growth brings challenges. Battalion Chief David Boots, a Denton native and the department’s second-longest-serving active member has witnessed significant changes in the community.
“Lots of new housing developments, lots of apartment complexes going up, and those seem to pop up overnight,” Boots shared.
Modern building materials, while cost-efficient, pose new risks during fires.
“The biggest thing that we’re finding is that houses are getting to a flashover point a lot faster than they used to,” said Boots. Flashover occurs when a fire fully engulfs a room from ceiling to floor, creating a critical need for faster response times.
“We need to respond quicker. We need to get water on the fire faster to potentially save lives,” Boots emphasized.
Strategic Planning for the Future
To keep up with demand, the Denton Fire Department is investing in its future. Fire Station 9 opened last year, and plans for four more stations are in the works. The department is also thinking ahead to add new fire trucks and staff more firefighter-paramedics over the next decade.
“So how do you manage explosive growth?” Chief Hedges asked. “Our number one thing we do is data and plan.”
Their efforts aim to prepare not only today but also for future generations.
Much like the black-and-white photographs that captured Denton’s beginnings, this decade of growth will one day serve as a record for those looking back 150 years from now.
