Ellis County Emergency Services District No. 6 (ECESD 6) was created by popular vote of the property owners of its predecessor, Ellis County Rural Fire Prevention District No. 7.  The District’s geographic area is defined by that portion of the Waxahachie Independent School District which lies outside the city limits of Waxahachie.  Today, that geographic area measures approximately 140 square miles.  (See “Maps” page.)

An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a grassroots political subdivision created by voters in a defined area to fund fire protection, emergency medical services, or both. More than 300 such districts are now operating in Texas.  ESD's are authorized by the Texas Constitution, Health & Safety Code, Title 9, Chapter 775 and they may levy a tax rate of no more than 10 cents per $100 of property value in their district.  For a home on the tax rolls at $150,000, that is an annual tax of $150, or $12.50 a month.

ESD 6 provides funding for two departments, the Forreston Volunteer Fire Department stationed in Forreston, Texas and the Ellis County ESD 6 Volunteer Fire Department operating two stations in the Waxahachie area.  (See MAPS page.)  ESD 6 VFD is a blended department staffed by volunteers, compensated volunteers and paid personnel who staff a station around the clock.