Although development in the Stone Oak area began in the early 1980s, it wasn't until 2001 that a fire station was built. Before then, the nearest stations were on Thousand Oaks and at Huebner and Bitters. Even after the Stone Oak location, Station 46, was constructed, the area was only busy enough to support a Service Truck. Eventually, the station became fully staffed with an engine.

The scenic location on top of Evans Road looks out over the rolling landscape of Stone Oak, a vast expanse of land that was nothing but trees when the station was built nine years ago. Today, the hills are speckled with hundreds of rust-colored rooftops, each of them a reminder of the families that Station 46 is there to protect.

Captain Frank Xiques was assigned to the station in October of 2006, and explained how slow it has been until just recently. " There are twice as many calls now as there were when I started here three years ago, " he explained. " And we expect that number to double in the next year or two strictly due to population increase. " There are 750 units being built across the street from the station right now, and lots being cleared constantly for new development. This, of course, is what makes the location of Station 46 so unique. They are in the middle of some prime real estate with houses and apartments that range in value from $150,000 to $6 million.

Anywhere from 60% to 80% of their calls are actually EMS related and have nothing to do with fires, which is why every fire fighter on every unit is trained in Basic Life Support. There are also two paramedics on staff at all times, and ten men on duty, working 24-hour shifts every 48 hours.

As the area continues to expand, there is talk of putting another station out at Marshall Road and Hwy. 281 North, just where the city ends. Currently, Station 46 is able to meet the city's standards of a 4 ½ minute response time to at least 80% of their jurisdiction. Right now, they cover most of Encino Park, about a mile inside of Loop 1604, and everything north of the station to the city limits.

The best and safest way to get a hold of the fire department is to call 911. For fire safety tips or other non-emergency questions or comments, call (210) 207-7744. You can also visit www.sanantonio.gov/safd for more information about the department and to learn how to keep your home fire safe.