Highland Lakes Fire Explorers program coming in January
Two Spicewood firefighters pose by one the small, rural agency's fire engines. Spicewood Fire Rescue is leading the charge on the formation of the Highland Lakes Fire Explorers, a new organization that hopes to introduce the young people of Burnet County to a career in firefighting. Photo courtesy of Spicewood Fire Rescue
A new multi-agency program designed to prepare the next generation of fire-rescue professionals will launch in the Highland Lakes area starting in January 2026. The Highland Lakes Fire Explorers, Post 343, will welcome volunteers ages 14-20 who have at least completed the eighth grade and are interested in emergency services careers.
The program is part of Scouting America and will meet on the second and fourth Thursday each month. Annual dues are $50, with members required to attend at least 75 percent of meetings. Participants age 18 and older must complete a background check to qualify.
Apply online at this link or contact the new post with questions at recruiting@post343.org.
Explorers will receive safety gear and take part in skills training, equipment demonstrations, firefighter shadowing, and EMS exposure. Organizers aim to begin with 10-20 participants, with at least two adult advisers at every session.
Spicewood Fire Rescue Captain Andrew Hunt, who initiated the effort, credited a similar program for launching his own career.
“We want to give back and start (Highland Lakes Fire Explorers) up locally so we can keep growing the next generation,” Hunt told DailyTrib.
The program is a collaboration between Spicewood Fire Rescue, Horseshoe Bay Fire Rescue, Marble Falls Fire Rescue, Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, and Granite Shoals Fire Rescue.
Meetings will rotate among participating stations to expose explorers to a range of skills, such as Spicewood’s large outdoor area will support vehicle-extrication practice, while Marble Falls Fire Rescue offers a forcible-entry door prop. One session will take place at an EMS station for medical training.
Horseshoe Bay Fire Chief Doug Fowler, once a fire explorer at age 15 with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said the program can have a lasting impact.
“The experience played a major role in my career path towards being a firefighter,” Fowler told DailyTrib. “As a father of five children, I understand how programs, such as Scouts, can help guide young people in a positive direction… The more positive role-modeling available, the better chance our youth will grow up to be outstanding citizens.”
Once participants age out at 21, they may become adult advisers, and those 18 years old and older are eligible to join a fire department.