US EditionAustin Fire Chief defends response after accusations of delaying help for Kerr County flooding
TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS, JUL 8 – The Austin Firefighters Association alleges Chief Joel Baker delayed deploying swiftwater rescue teams despite full state reimbursement, prompting a no confidence vote starting July 8.
- Austin Fire Chief Joel G. Baker faced criticism and a scheduled July 8 no-confidence vote over delayed emergency deployments during deadly Kerr County floods in early July 2025.
- Initial deployment requests came through Texas Task Force 1 on July 2, but Baker delayed responding due to a budget crisis and reimbursement concerns, which AFD leadership communicated as a deployment moratorium.
- The Austin Firefighters Association publicly accused Baker of refusing to deploy swiftwater rescue teams, arguing lives were lost and calling for his firing, while Baker defended prioritizing Austin’s readiness.
- Baker stated he became aware of requests on July 4 and approved limited deployments, including three rescue swimmers, but acknowledged unclear communication about reviewing requests case-by-case.
- The conflict highlights tensions between fiscal caution and emergency response, with city officials supporting Baker and firefighters pursuing accountability amid continuing recovery efforts.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
Austin, Texas fire chief accused of refusing to send special rescue team to flood zone over $800K dispute with state
The fire department's union said "highly trained swift water rescue teams" were requested by the state on July 2 and July 3, but that Chief Joel G. Baker denied both requests.
·New York, United States
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Firefighters Union to Hold No-Confidence Vote Against Austin Fire Chief
The Austin Firefighters Association has accused Chief Joel Baker of withholding water rescue swimmers from assisting in Hill Country flood rescues. The post Firefighters Union to Hold No-Confidence Vote Against Austin Fire Chief appeared first on Texas Scorecard.
Austin fire chief criticized over deployments during deadly floods; firefighters union likely to call no-confidence vote
The Austin Firefighters Association said a fire department policy freezing emergency staff deployments likely impacted Austin's ability to respond to the July Kerr County floods.
·Pflugerville, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
C 70%
R 20%
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