Newsletter Signup
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
-
Most Popular Stories
- Council members celebrate unanimous defeat of bill that proposed putting Austin under state control
- A once-banned type of building is back in favor – and the Planning Commission approves
- Eviction crisis spreads as affordability pressures worsen
- Audit shows former Austin Water employee directed search of boss’ inbox
- Austin churches answer prayers for affordable housing – by building it themselves
-
-
Discover News By District
-
-
Fire
Zoning and Platting Commission weighs in on proposed fire code
As Austin weathers the dog days of summer, wildfire risk is once again a hot topic in the city. A new report this week by the Office of the City Auditor said that the city could be doing a better…
Fire • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 20, 2019
AFD under fire for handling of sexual harassment claim despite policy updates
After Austin Fire Department Lieutenant James Baker pleaded guilty to hiding a camera and filming firefighter Kelly Gall in the fire station restroom, AFD revised its harassment policies and implemented the Electronic and Anonymous Reporting System. EARS is intended to…
Fire • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 9, 2019
Two firefighters fired over 'theft' of exam
Fire Chief Joel Baker has fired two firefighters, Nicholas Schroeder and Anthony Stewart, who were attending classes on handling hazardous materials, after Schroeder allegedly stole a copy of the final exam and Stewart took photos of it. The class was…
Fire • By Jo Clifton • Jul 30, 2019
2019: AFD’s new chief prioritizes communication
After just over five months with an interim chief, the Austin Fire Department finally has a permanent leader. As the year winds down, Joel Baker assumes his role as fire chief at the department amid an environment of transition and…
Fire • By Jessi Devenyns • Dec 20, 2018
'Mega-fires' are real, but their size is anyone's guess
When representatives from the Austin Fire Department spoke at the last meeting of the Public Safety Commission, they alluded to a “mega-fire” they said was imminent in West Austin. Although the term may sound alarming, Justice Jones, wildfire mitigation program…
Fire • By Jessi Devenyns • Nov 14, 2018
Rising insurance costs reignite push for new fire stations in Austin
Homeowners in a Del Valle suburb learned last month that their insurance rates could go up as much as $1,000 this year because they’re too far from the nearest fire station. Concerns about the rising rates have jump-started a push…
Fire • By Nadia Hamdan • May 23, 2018
Subscribe to our newsletter
Lack of fire station pushes some insurance rates up
Some Southeast Austin homeowners have been receiving bad news from their insurance companies – the rates on their homeowners insurance are projected to rise as much as $1,000 this year. District 2 Council Member Delia Garza told her colleagues at…
Fire • By Jo Clifton • Apr 5, 2018
AFD aims to weigh in on developments sooner rather than later
The Austin Fire Department could soon start reviewing individual development plans much earlier in the process than it currently does. Fire Marshal Rob Vires told the Public Safety Commission at its Jan. 8 special called meeting about ongoing discussions to…
Fire • By Caleb Pritchard • Jan 19, 2018
Firefighters union touts increased diversity
Austin is far from having a fire department that reflects the diversity of the city, but it’s made significant strides since the U.S. Department of Justice sued the Austin Fire Department over its hiring practices. Days after clashing with a…
Fire • By Jack Craver • Oct 3, 2017
Council OKs firefighters' contract 7-3
City Council approved a five-year contract with the Austin Firefighters Association Thursday on a vote of 7-3, after a heated exchange between Council Member Ora Houston and Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks. Houston criticized the firefighters association for not…
Fire • By Jo Clifton • Sep 29, 2017
Fire Department overtime soars to $21 million
Overtime pay for firefighters at the Austin Fire Department will reach about $21 million by the end of this fiscal year on Sept. 30 – a 206 percent increase since Fiscal Year 2013-14 – according to a report put out…
Fire • By Jo Clifton • Aug 24, 2017
Auditors to look at firefighters' overtime
After considerable complaint from its newest members, Jimmy Flannigan and Alison Alter, City Council voted last month to amend the city’s General Fund budget by transferring $3.5 million from a stabilization reserve fund into the Austin Fire Department’s budget to pay…
