Paris Fire Department

A big thanks to Credit Union of Texas! Very much appreciated!

Credit Union of Texas had the privilege of "Filling the Fridge" for the Paris Fire Department yesterday. We dropped off water, Gatorade, and snacks to help them endure the summer heat as they serve and protect our communities. We appreciate all they do and hope they enjoy these treats! 👨‍🚒❤️

Know the laws on fireworks ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

The City of Paris reminds the public that the City's Code of Ordinances makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, store, sell, or use fireworks on private property, streets, driveways, parking lots, in any city park, including Lake Crook, or anywhere inside the city limits. The city is committed to administering uniform zero-tolerance enforcement of the fireworks ban on anyone caught with or using fireworks inside the city limits during the upcoming Independence Day holiday.

The penalties for violating the City of Paris Code of Ordinances 6.04.001 and Fire Code 5601.1.3 include a fine of up to $2000.00 and confiscation and/or destruction of any open fireworks. A web page with additional information is available at www.ParisTexas.gov/Fireworks.

The ordinance intends to protect all residents' health, safety, and welfare and allow them to celebrate in their own ways. It's important to remember that using fireworks can spark fires, cause physical injuries to humans and animals, cause pets to flee their homes, leave behind debris, and lead to anxiety attacks or PTSD episodes for some individuals. The laws protect those residents who prefer not to use fireworks since it is impossible to restrict the loud noises, flashes of light, and other dangers from crossing property lines.

Fireworks are also prohibited in Texas State Parks and on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands and water. Anyone planning to use fireworks should explore the legality of such use beforehand.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 286 IN
EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN TEXAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 36 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL TEXAS

ANDERSON BELL BOSQUE
COMANCHE CORYELL FALLS
FREESTONE HAMILTON HENDERSON
HILL LAMPASAS LIMESTONE
MCLENNAN MILLS

IN NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS

COLLIN DALLAS DELTA
DENTON EASTLAND ELLIS
ERATH FANNIN GRAYSON
HOOD HOPKINS HUNT
JOHNSON KAUFMAN LAMAR
NAVARRO PARKER RAINS
ROCKWALL SOMERVELL TARRANT
VAN ZANDT

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across North and Central Texas today. Large hail and damaging wind gusts will be the primary hazards with a lower threat for tornadoes. Locally heavy rainfall may reinvigorate flooding issues across portions of the region. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings today and tonight!

A big thanks to Paris Texas Delivery and 107 for providing all of our on duty crews lunch this past week! Very much appreciated.

Severe weather will be possible during the afternoon and evening hours both Wednesday and Thursday. Large hail, damaging winds, and even a few tornadoes may occur. Locally heavy rain may also lead to flooding in some areas. Continue to check back in the coming days for more details as we narrow down the areas most likely to be affected, and make sure your plan is in place in the case of severe weather!

A Paris Firefighter was injured while working a structure fire at the Patio Apartments, 510 Bonham Street, early Tuesday, April 30th. The injury occurred inside the engulfed structure when an area of the second floor where the firefighter was working collapsed.

Other firefighters extricated the injured firefighter, who was treated on-scene and transferred by ambulance to Paris Regional Health. The firefighter remains hospitalized for observation and is in stable condition.

Paris Fire Department, EMS, and Police personnel were dispatched to the fire just after midnight and firefighting efforts were concluded at 2 a.m. The blaze caused extensive damage to the apartments, and the cause is under investigation.

Severe weather is expected tonight into Sunday. Very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes (some of which could be significant) will all be possible this evening and tonight. Storm chances will continue on Sunday, with a severe weather threat east of I-35 in the afternoon. Flash flooding will also be a threat across much of North and Central Texas.

Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected late this afternoon and evening. This threat will be greatest near and north of I-20, but isolated severe storms could develop anywhere in North and Central Texas. Initial storms in western North Texas late this afternoon could be capable of very large hail and have slightly increased potential for tornadoes. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats.

Just after 3 am, C-Shift crews responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 blk of NE 11th St. The first arriving unit reported heavy fire from the front of the structure. All occupants had made it safely outside. The fire was quickly brought under control, with units being on scene just over an hour. Paris PD and Paris EMS assisted. Red Cross was notified for the occupants.

There is the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts, and locally heavy rainfall this afternoon into tonight. Isolated tornadoes are also possible across the northeast in the late afternoon and early evening. A strong cap should delay thunderstorm development until late afternoon. Once the cap breaks, storms will form along and ahead of a southward moving cold front. The severe weather threat will decrease overnight as storms move deeper into Central Texas.

There is the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts, and locally heavy rainfall Thursday afternoon and evening. There may also be a low tornado threat with some of these storms. A strong cap should delay thunderstorm development until the afternoon. Overnight, the area with the greatest potential for severe weather and flooding has narrowed and shifted eastward (near and east of I-35). Continue to monitor forecast updates over the next 24 hours.

More thunderstorms are expected today ahead of a dryline and cold front. The best storm chances will be this morning across the southeast two thirds of the region. The best storm chances will shift quickly to east Texas this afternoon. The main threats will be from hail, gusty winds and localized flooding. However, an isolated tornado can't be ruled out across East Texas this afternoon. Much cooler and windy conditions will move in behind a cold front late this afternoon and tonight. Isolated storms will still be possible across about the northeast half of the region this evening.

Crews are working a structure fire on W Sherman St.

Our TIFMAS crew in the panhandle started Tuesday afternoon on the Windy Deuce Fire, Moore County; assisting with efforts in the town of Fritch. The last two days they have been working the Magenta Fire, Oldham County.

Captain Matt Barbee and Captain Drew Boren have been deployed to West Texas to assist with wildfires in that region. It is stil unknown their specific destination.

Crews are on the scene of a structure fire on E Center St.

The Paris Fire Department would like to celebrate Black History Month, by recognizing the contributions made to our country by African Americans.

Additionally, we would like to recognize Firefighter Dreyton McCarthy who has been with our department for the past 7+ years and Firefighter Kobe Dixon who has been with our department for the past 3 years. We appreciate the effort and care they give to our citizens every day.

Crews are working a structure fire in the 300 blk of SE 16th St.

Crews have just cleared from an attic fire on NE 20th St. Paris PD and Paris EMS assisted.

Crews are working a structure fire in the 1000 block of Bonham Street.

An arctic blast has arrived, with dangerously cold temperatures continuing through mid next week. Temperatures will remain below freezing from today through Wednesday morning for nearly all of North and Central Texas. Make sure to protect exposed and vulnerable pipes by covering or wrapping them if you haven't already done so, and drip your indoor faucets during the prolonged sub-freezing temperatures. Check on your loved ones and neighbors, and ensure all pets are indoors.

Is your home winter weather-ready? As winter approaches, there are several steps you should take to prepare your home for the cold weather ahead. Inspect your chimney, insulate your attic, caulk and weather strip doors/windows, insulate exposed pipes, test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and gather supplies. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/winter.

WARMING CENTER TO OPEN DUE TO WINTER STORM

(PARIS, Texas)-- As temperatures fall below freezing beginning on Sunday and with a chance of snow on Monday, warming centers will open in the city of Paris.

Beginning at 5pm on Sunday, the Salvation Army (located at 350 W. Kaufman) will serve dinner and then open an overnight warming shelter until 7am on Monday morning. Lamar Avenue Church of Christ will be open on Monday from 7am-4pm as a daytime warming shelter. If needed, they will also be open Tuesday from 7am-noon.

Those wishing to volunteer can call the Salvation Army at 903-784-7548 or Lamar Avenue Church of Christ at 903-785-0387.

Please refer anyone without shelter or without heat to go to these warming shelters.

A look back at 2023