What is the primary function of the Houston Fire Department (HFD)?

The primary function of the Houston Fire Department (HFD) is to provide emergency response services. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including responding to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. Emergency response is critical because it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the community. When individuals are in distress or the environment is threatened by emergencies, the HFD mobilizes to control situations, protect lives, and minimize damage.

While other functions, such as enforcing building codes and conducting fire safety training seminars, are important aspects of the fire department’s responsibilities, they support the overarching goal of ensuring public safety. Community landscaping is not a focus of fire departments and does not align with their core mission of emergency response and fire protection. Therefore, providing emergency response services stands out as the primary duty of the HFD.