Orange County ESD 3

10/08/2026

Fire Prevention Week

We love helping teaching the children about fire safety! Thank you North Orange Baptist Mothers Day Out for letting us come help teach the children about fire fighters and how to stay safe during an emergency!

09/15/2026

🔥 Attention Orange County Residents & Aspiring First Responders!

Orange County ESD3 is partnering with Kilgore College Fire Academy to bring a flexible, hybrid fire training program right to our area!

✅ Online coursework — study on YOUR schedule
✅ Skills days held right here in Orange County
✅ SSFMA certification awarded upon course completion
✅ Eligible to test for TCFP Basic certification upon graduation
✅ HB2604 reimbursement eligible — fire departments may be able to cover the cost!

This academy is specifically designed for working adults who can't commit to a traditional full-time fire academy — whether you're a current volunteer looking to get certified or someone who has always wanted to pursue a career in the fire service!

🎓 Upon completing the course you'll earn your SSFMA certification AND become eligible to sit for the TCFP Basic certification exam — the certification required to work as a career firefighter in Texas!

📋 Ready to take the next step?
🔹 Current firefighters & volunteers — sign up here: 👉 https://forms.gle/1BdKsVxCu4fAPGdB9
🔹 Non-firefighters — reach out to us directly or contact your local fire department training officer to get started!

Questions? Drop them in the comments or send us a message. Don't miss this opportunity to get certified and start your career in the fire service! 🚒

Kilgore College is partnering with Orange County ESD3 to provide an online academy with skills training at 9540 Hwy 105 Orange, Texas 77630 from January 11, 2027 to May 22, 2027.

09/13/2026

Everyone meet Mateo and his new firemen friends who helped him get a 1/2 inch wrench off his finger tonight. We would like to thank the City of Orange for bringing an electric ring cutter to cut it off his finger!

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

As of 12 PM today the burn ban for Orange County has been lifted.

09/01/2026

Press Release
September 1, 2026

Orange County Judge John Gothia announced today that all non-emergency Orange County offices will close at 2 p.m. due to impending weather conditions.
The early closure is a precautionary measure intended to help protect county employees and members of the public while providing county personnel with additional time to travel safely as weather conditions develop.
“The safety of our employees and the public is our highest priority,” said Orange County Judge John Gothia. “We are taking this precautionary step to allow everyone the opportunity to get home safely before conditions potentially worsen. We encourage everyone to remain alert, monitor the weather, and follow the guidance of local emergency management officials.”
Employees and members of the public are encouraged to:
• Monitor local weather conditions and official updates.
• Avoid unnecessary travel as conditions deteriorate.
• Follow guidance and instructions from local emergency management officials.
• Allow additional time for travel and use caution while on the roads.
County officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and will provide additional information as necessary.

09/01/2026

The risk of flash flooding has increased across parts of southeast Texas. There is now a Moderate Risk of flash flooding within 25 miles of any location across Jefferson and Hardin counties.

09/01/2026

Good morning, all. Tropical Storm Edouard will be making landfall later today as a strong tropical storm or possibly a category 1 hurricane. NWS Lake Charles will host a live social media briefing at 10:30 AM this morning to discuss the latest on Edouard and it's expected impacts across the region today and tonight. We'll also answer your questions about what to expect. See you at 10:30. ~ Donald Jones

09/01/2026

Tropical Depression Five has been upgraded to tropical storm Edouard. NWS Lake Charles will host a live social media briefing at 10:30 PM tonight to discuss the latest on Edouard and it's expected impacts across the region. We'll also answer your questions live. See you at 10:30. ~ Donald Jones

09/01/2026