SpaceX Firefighting at Starbase - Innovative Approach

SpaceX Establishes Private Fire Department at Starbase Facility

SpaceX is proactively establishing a volunteer fire department to provide emergency services for the extensive Starbase complex, thereby strengthening its oversight of incident response at a location recognized for its accelerated – and occasionally volatile – rocket development processes.

Formation of the Starbase Volunteer Fire Department

A certificate of formation, lodged with the Texas Secretary of State on June 30th, details the creation of the Starbase Volunteer Fire Department. The non-profit organization designates 1 Rocket Road in Brownsville as its primary headquarters, coinciding with SpaceX’s principal address.

The filing identifies Cody Dye, the environmental health and safety manager, and Kevin Bagnall, in-house counsel, as two of the three directors. Stephen Herndon, another SpaceX attorney, signed the certificate.

Mission and Scope of Services

The organization’s stated purpose is to “aid, promote and provide for the establishment of systems and facilities for the provision of public safety education, and fire prevention and suppression services.”

A recently published document from the city of Starbase confirms that SpaceX personnel initiated the volunteer fire department, and that a three-year contract will be executed to “provide Fire Protection Services for all persons and property within the city limits.”

Historical Emergency Response Protocols

Historically, SpaceX has managed fires at Starbase, which recently gained incorporation as a Texas city, utilizing an internal team alongside assistance from neighboring fire departments, including Brownsville’s.

The potential impact of the new volunteer fire department on these existing collaborations remains unclear. A public information request submitted to Cameron County is currently pending, with no response received as of publication.

Lack of Public Comment

Neither SpaceX, the Brownsville Fire Department, nor Starbase city officials responded to requests for comment from TechCrunch.

Regulatory Status and 911 Integration

The connection between the Starbase Volunteer Fire Department and the county’s 911-dispatch system is currently unknown. As a volunteer organization, it falls outside the regulatory purview of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, which governs local government fire departments, according to agency chief Mike Wisko.

Increased Authority Following City Incorporation

The establishment of the volunteer fire department follows closely after Starbase’s official incorporation as a city in Texas. This has empowered SpaceX and Starbase officials – largely comprised of current or former SpaceX employees – to exert greater control over the area.

In September, the company town announced an agreement with Cameron County to share control of the nearby beach. Public access to the city was restricted in June through the installation of gates.

Termination of County Funding for Fire Marshal

The formation of the new fire department coincided with the conclusion of a separate agreement: SpaceX’s financial support for a fire marshal position within Cameron County.

During an August 26th commissioners meeting, officials noted the termination of the service agreement with SpaceX. Deputy county administrator Xavier Villarreal stated, “That contract … is terminating.”

Transition to New Funding Source

The county is actively seeking a new funding partner for the fire marshal position, with liquid natural gas developer NextDecade identified as a potential replacement.

Shifting Fire Safety Oversight

The responsibilities of a fire marshal encompass reviewing plans and conducting inspections to ensure fire-safety compliance. SpaceX may have funded the position to facilitate the county’s ability to manage the increased workload resulting from rapid construction activity.

Starbase is now assuming responsibility for fire-code oversight, appointing Cliff Nevins as fire marshal and Wade Cain as building official, both from the vendor SAFEbuilt.

Internalization of Fire Safety Processes

The combination of the new volunteer fire department and the SAFEbuilt appointments indicates that Starbase is centralizing fire-code approvals, utilizing a vendor of its choosing while transferring emergency response to an affiliated organization.

Law Enforcement Approach Differs

In contrast, Starbase has established an agreement with Cameron County for law enforcement services, with two sheriffs assigned per shift. The city also has access to county jails at a rate of $100 per inmate per day. Furthermore, the city plans to solicit bids for emergency medical services and arson investigation.

Local Concerns Regarding Funding Priorities

This differing approach prompted a response from one county commissioner during the August meeting, who remarked, “But they can’t hire police officers? Interesting.”

Budget Allocation Reflects SpaceX Investment

Starbase’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 allocates only $60,000 to the volunteer fire department, a relatively small amount compared to the $1.3 million designated for law enforcement contracts with the county. This disparity suggests that SpaceX is likely covering a significant portion of the costs associated with equipment and other expenses.

Increased Launch Activity and Incident Potential

This shift in responsibility occurs as SpaceX continues to expand its launch operations at Starbase. The company’s rapid-prototyping methodology has resulted in several fires and explosions at the facility.

In June, a test firing of the Super Heavy booster triggered a substantial fireball visible for miles, prompting numerous calls to local dispatch from concerned residents. No injuries were reported.

This story has been updated with new information from a document posted to the city of Starbase website.