Located in Denton County (part of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex), the DCESD1 operates out of three fire stations (Station 511, Station 513, and Station 514) and is a combination department that provides services to >42,000 residents within 65 square miles. The DCESD1 service area includes the towns of Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Corral City/Draper, Lantana, Northlake, as well as surrounding areas of Denton County (i.e., unincorporated areas within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of each of these towns and one Special Utility District). Additionally, the DCESD1 has contracted response areas with the City of Denton and maintains mutual and automatic aid agreements with Flower Mound Fire Department, Roanoke Fire Department, and Justin Community Volunteer Fire Department.

The communities within the district have experienced unprecedented growth since 2018 and are projected to continue to grow exponentially in the next ten years. In 2021, the DCESD1 experienced its largest call volume to date with 3,178 total calls – a 28% increase over 2020. Of the 3,178 calls, 54% were EMS-related calls and 42% were fire-related calls.

Critical infrastructure protected by the DCESD1 includes: four school districts, four public water systems; healthcare (three urgent care clinics opening in our district in the next year), gas wells and associated petroleum/natural gas pipelines, transportation (three airports, major bridges, highways, and rail transportation); large commercial facilities; industrial parks, and several retail centers.

School districts protected by the DCESD1 include Argyle Independent School District (AISD), a portion of Northwest ISD, and Liberty Christian School.  AISD is considered a “fast-growth district” with over 4,200 students and more than 500 faculty and staff across five campuses (one high school, one middle school, three elementary schools). Liberty Christian School serves over 1,000 students at one K-12 campus.

History

The Denton County Emergency Services District #1 (DCESD1) began as Argyle Volunteer Fire District (AVFD) in 1963 and was created by a group of local citizens after a house fire occurred in the community and no formal fire mitigation strategies were in place. In 2006, citizens voted and approved the creation of the DCESD1 to provide funding stability. The DCESD1 is governed by a Board of five Commissioners and is primarily funded from ad valorem taxes.

Mission

To preserve and protect life and property through selfless service.

Facts and Figures

Facts and figures listed below are current as of January 25, 2021

• Tax Rate – 6 cents per $100 valuation
  • Statement of Net Assets:
  • District size – 65 square miles
  • District population – 42,000
  • Emergency Responses (1/1/24 to 12/31/24)
    • Denton County ESD #1 – 3,847

Fire Stations