Orange County ESD 3

01/18/2026

Happy Birthday to Benjamin Franklin (born January 17, 1706), the father of the American fire service!

Founded in Philadelphia in 1736, the Union Fire Company was the first formally organized volunteer fire company in the American colonies and was established with the help of Benjamin Franklin after he advocated for organized fire protection in the Pennsylvania Gazette. Unlike earlier fire societies that focused mainly on protecting members’ property, the Union Fire Company committed to responding to fires anywhere in the community, with members supplying their own equipment such as leather buckets and salvage bags. The company operated under written articles of agreement, enforced attendance and equipment standards, and helped set the foundation for the organized volunteer fire service model that later influenced municipal fire departments across the United States.

01/16/2026

🚨 Fire Danger Statement Issued for Southeast Texas 🚨

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Danger Statement for Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Orange, and Tyler Counties on Friday, January 16, 2026.

🔥 What to Know:
• Timing: Saturday morning through Saturday evening
• Winds: North around 10 mph
• Relative Humidity: As low as 20–30%
• Conditions: Ongoing moderate drought has left grasses and other small fuels very dry, making them easier to ignite—especially marsh grasses

⚠️ Impacts:
These conditions can lead to rapid and unpredictable wildfire growth and spread.

🛑 Please Take Precautions:
• Avoid outdoor activities that could start a fire
• Do not park vehicles on dry grass
• Avoid welding or grinding near dry vegetation
• Never toss cigarette butts on the ground

📞 See Smoke or Fire?
Report wildfires immediately to your local fire department or law enforcement.

Let’s all do our part to keep our communities safe.

01/12/2026

01/10/2026

The first picture from the Orange County Fire Academy, class 2. Hosted by ESD3 with Kilgore College. 15 local volunteers putting in hard work to become TCFP certified for the benefit of the communities they serve. We would like to thank each one of them and the instructors leading the class for taking their time over the next 5 months to make this happen to make sure we have the best responders we can!

Kilgore College thank you for helping us make this a reality for us here in Orange County!

01/06/2026

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by his passing.

Jason Lee Laughlin, 53, of Bridge City, passed away on January 2, 2026.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 10 at 2 P.M. at the Orange Expo Center. Visitation will begin at noon on Saturday. Father Jim Sichko, Papal Missionary of Mercy will be officiating.
Jason was born to Forrest Laughlin and Rita Heiner on January 6, 1972. Jason was known throughout Southeast Texas for his 25-year career in Law Enforcement. He was a respected long-time officer in Orange County and rose to the rank of Sgt as a Narcotics Detective. His career began in West Orange, followed by the City of Orange, and in the last year at the Orange Sheriff’s Department. His dedication to the community was unmatched. He made personal bonds with those he helped and was known to revisit those same people year after year. His larger than life presence was unmistakable. Jason was the life of the party. He had a unique way of making everyone feel special and like family. He had a quick wit, an infectious smile, and a joke for every situation. When not at work you could find him on the water fishing, at his family ranch in Fredericksburg deer hunting, at the beach, or vacationing with his wife in Mexico. His pride and joy was his family – especially his son, Jack. He looked forward to weekly meals to catch up with him, and bragged about his accomplishments to anyone who would listen.
He is survived by his wife, Chrissy Laughlin; son, Jack Laughlin, step children, Joshua Seymour, Anna Seymour, Katie Seymour, and Ella Seymour; parents, Forrest Laughlin, and Rita Heiner & husband Kenneth; sister, Hattie Heiner; brother, Vance Laughlin & wife Kathy; uncle, Fred Laughlin, and numerous other family, friends, and coworkers who will miss him dearly.nf

01/04/2026

01/01/2026

At approximately 12:45 AM, our department received a report of a structure fire on Highway 87. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was observed coming from the home, with the probable location of the fire being in the garage of the residence. Firefighters from the first arriving engine entered the home, quickly located the fire, and initiated extinguishment procedures. The fire was rapidly brought under control. All residents had safely evacuated the premises prior to the arrival of emergency services. We extend our gratitude to Orange County ESD 4, ESD 1, West Orange, and the City of Orange for providing mutual aid.

12/09/2025

We would like to thank the Texas Forestry Service for awarding us not only a grant for our new 2,000 gallon tanker that we take delivery of on December 17th and now also for the equipment grant of $25,000. It will help us get much needed equipment to make our fire fighters and community safer!

Texas A&M Forest Service has approved more than $17 million in funding for hundreds of volunteer fire departments statewide, including several in Southeast Texas, to help rural first responders purchase critical fire and rescue equipment.
https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/local/forest-service-awards-17m-to-texas-fire-departments/502-e2be9d90-3896-4406-a880-f1710a8e4f31?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_12NewsNow

12/09/2025

Orange County ESD3 with the help of Kilgore College will be hosting another fire academy for the volunteer fire fighters in the area. It will tentatively begins January 10th and runs through May. If you are interested please reach out to Chief Manshack at 409-554-9313. The academy is TFS 2604 Eligible for reimbursement and is made for volunteer fire fighters in our region who can’t attend a traditional fire academy. If you have interest please give Chief Manshack a call and he will answer your questions to the best of his ability.

11/09/2025

We are not currently under a burn ban, but we urge everyone to please do not burn, fires can quickly become out of control and can cause serious property damage.