Texas Emergency Management Conference

Houston Fire Department Wildland Division Wildland Fire Coordinator Justin Huddleston represented HFD at the 2026 Texas Emergency Management Conference, presenting a workshop on utilizing prescribed fire for habitat management and wildfire risk reduction in urban natural areas.

The presentation highlighted HFD's ongoing collaboration with Houston Parks - HPARD to reduce wildfire risk in Houston's nature preserves through chainsaw teams and prescribed fire strategies.

"What we are doing in Houston is a model for urban fire departments across the country," Huddleston said. "Prescribed fire is not just a rural tool anymore and we are proving that."

This was the second time HFD has had the opportunity to present at a major emergency management conference, following a presentation at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando.

Great work representing Houston Fire on the big stage. Once again, HFD is setting the standard and leading the way!

Today during the TDEM awards luncheon in Fort Worth, TCFP was recognized as the 2026 Council Agency of the Year for our partnership, and for our efforts to develop the Texas Emergency Manager Certification. TCFP Agency Chief Mike Wisko proudly accepted this award on behalf of the extremely talented ad-hoc curriculum committee and curriculum staff who are finalizing more than a year’s worth of work to create this “one of a kind” certification for Texas.

“TCFP is proud to work with TDEM to improve and enhance emergency management across Texas. A group of extremely talented emergency management professionals have put in countless hours along with TCFP staff to ensure a professional certification curriculum is developed.” (-Mike Wisko)

Pictured in the photo from left to right:
Mark Morgan (ad hoc committee member), Ken Bell (committee co-chair), Louie Havens (committee co-chair), and Mike Wisko.

Many thanks to all involved! 👏👏👏

Texas Division of Emergency Management