Residents of the Navarro Ranch subdivision in Guadalupe County are raising urgent concerns regarding fire rescue services in their rapidly growing community. During a recent government meeting, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current volunteer fire service, citing inadequate response times and confusion over jurisdictional boundaries.

Jared Smith, a resident and spokesperson for the community, highlighted that the subdivision, which comprises approximately 1,600 homes, is not incorporated within the city limits of Seguin, despite residents receiving misleading information suggesting they would be served by the Seguin Fire Department. Instead, the area falls under the Geronimo Volunteer Fire District, which residents believe is struggling to meet the increasing demand for emergency services.

Smith presented a petition signed by over 150 residents requesting inclusion in the Guadalupe County Fire Rescue (GCFR) First Alarm District. He emphasized the critical need for timely emergency response, particularly for medical emergencies where every second counts. The community is concerned that the current volunteer fire department lacks the manpower and resources to respond effectively to emergencies, leading to delays that could jeopardize lives.

The meeting also addressed the anticipated completion of a new GCFR station near Navarro Ranch, expected to be operational by the end of 2026. However, residents are anxious about the interim period and the adequacy of current services. They argue that the professional full-time fire rescue department in Guadalupe County is better equipped to handle emergencies, given its staffing and advanced life support capabilities.

The commissioners acknowledged the residents' concerns and the growing need for fire rescue services in the area, indicating that discussions about potential solutions, including the reorganization of fire response boundaries, would continue. The community's call for action reflects a broader issue facing many unincorporated areas in the county as they grapple with rapid development and the need for reliable emergency services.