Zavalla VFD Battles Blaze Amid Water Crisis as City Works Toward Pump Solution

Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze in Zavalla on Saturday that destroyed multiple vehicles and debris from a demolished trailer home. The response was complicated by the city’s ongoing water shortage. Photo Courtesy: Zavalla VFD

ZAVALLA, Texas — As the City of Zavalla enters its second week under a boil water notice, firefighters and residents alike are feeling the strain of the town’s ongoing water crisis.

On August 23, the Zavalla Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a fire that engulfed multiple vehicles and debris from a demolished trailer house. A nearby structure was also at risk. Firefighters faced a critical challenge when they were unable to refill their water tanks due to the city’s limited water supply.

In a statement, Zavalla VFD described the incident as a “significant hurdle” and expressed gratitude to neighboring departments that responded. Crews from Fuller Springs, Huntington, and Moffett Fire Departments assisted in controlling the blaze.

“We truly couldn’t have managed without our neighboring departments,” Zavalla VFD said. “We are incredibly grateful for their swift response and support.”

The fire came just days after Zavalla VFD had reassured residents that they were proactively reaching out to other departments to ensure water would be available in an emergency.

“It is crucial, especially during these challenging times, to establish communication and collaboration with our nearby departments,” the department posted earlier in the week. “The safety of our residents is our top priority.”

Water System Failures

The city’s water issues stem from the failure of a hydraulic pump that powers one of Zavalla’s main wells. Public Works Director Tyler Morrison explained that the outage has left Zavalla relying on a 25,000-gallon backup tank, less than half the size of the city’s 60,000-gallon main tank. The smaller capacity has strained supply for residents, businesses, and emergency services.

“What’s going to take the time is getting everything back full of water again,” Morrison said.

Replacement efforts have faced repeated setbacks. A rental pump sourced from Kilgore last week was incompatible, and another attempt failed as well. The City reported Friday night that a new pump had been purchased, but a required hose had not yet arrived. In the meantime, water trucks remain on standby.

“The rental pump didn’t work, but we have bought another pump that is going to work,” city officials posted. “He needs a hose which he can get tomorrow if possible, but the trucks are on standby to make sure we will not run out of water.”

Water Crisis Timeline: What We Know So Far

• Aug. 6 — Zavalla issues a boil water notice after equipment was tampered with; state regulators inspect the system.

• Mid-August — Hydraulic pump failure leaves the city relying on a smaller backup tank.

• Aug. 20 — Zavalla VFD alerts residents that they are coordinating with neighboring fire departments in case of emergencies.

• Aug. 22 (Friday) — A rental pump from Kilgore is installed but does not work with the well. That evening, the City posts that a new pump has been purchased but requires a hose before it can be put into service. Water trucks are placed on standby.

• Aug. 23 (Saturday) — Zavalla VFD responds to a multi-vehicle and debris fire, unable to refill tanks due to the water outage. Mutual aid is requested from Fuller Springs, Huntington, and Moffett fire departments.

Community and State Response

State Rep. Trent Ashby said his office has been in close contact with local and county officials as calls from concerned residents continue.

“Reliable access to safe water is a basic necessity, and I am committed to working with city leaders, county partners, and all of the necessary state agencies to pursue both immediate relief and long-term solutions,” Ashby said.

Angelina County Judge Keith Wright, who has also been coordinating with city officials, echoed that sentiment.

“We know you’re hurting. We know you need help,” Wright said. “I think we’ll be in the water business very soon.”

The Texas Department of Emergency Management has coordinated bottled water distribution, while the Angelina County and Cities Health District has been monitoring food establishments to ensure safe operations.

Zavalla residents remain under the boil water notice originally issued August 6, as efforts continue to restore the city’s main water supply.