What is the primary function of the Houston Fire Department (HFD)?

The primary function of the Houston Fire Department (HFD) is to provide fire protection and emergency medical services. This fundamental role encompasses a wide array of duties essential for safeguarding lives and property from fire hazards and responding to medical emergencies. Fire protection includes firefighting, rescue operations, and fire prevention efforts, such as inspections and investigations to ensure safety standards are met. Emergency medical services involve responding to medical calls, offering pre-hospital care, and transporting patients to medical facilities, demonstrating the department's commitment to public safety and community health.

While the other options are important in their own right, they do not represent the core mission of the HFD. Regulatory functions, community education, and city planning are typically addressed by other departments or agencies within local government and are not the primary responsibility of the fire department itself. Thus, the emphasis on both fire protection and emergency medical services clearly establishes the primary focus of the HFD's operations.