Food trucks across El Paso are about to get a lot more face time with the Fire Marshal. The El Paso Fire Department says its Fire Marshal's Office will start annual fire-license inspections for every mobile food preparation vehicle operating inside city limits, ahead of a new statewide licensing system that kicks in July 1.
The move lines up with a state law that centralizes how food trucks are licensed across Texas and is expected to bring more paperwork, safety upgrades, and fees for local vendors as inspectors roll out the program.
In a July 5 Facebook post, the department announced that every mobile food preparation vehicle will need an inspection and that operators must already have a valid state health permit and a city fire license in hand before inspectors show up, per the El Paso Fire Department. The post lists a $125 inspection fee and a $72 reinspection fee and notes that the fire license must be available during inspections as either a printed or digital copy. For scheduling or questions, the post directs vendors to email [email protected] or call 915-212-5699.
The local changes are tied to House Bill 2844, which creates a statewide mobile food licensing program and assigns the Texas Department of State Health Services to issue licenses and provide inspection guidance, according to Texas DSHS. Under the law, licensing rules must be adopted, and both the DSHS license and an initial health inspection must be completed before a mobile food vendor license is issued. Most of the statute takes effect July 1, 2026, with one rulemaking provision that kicked in earlier.
The Fire Department's post also warns that trucks will need the right fire extinguishers on board, inspected LP-gas systems, and compliant fire-suppression, ventilation, propane and electrical setups before inspectors sign off. The department says it will try to coordinate its fire checks with required state health inspections whenever possible to cut down on repeat visits. It also cautions that operating without the necessary permits or a valid fire-license inspection could trigger enforcement action.
What Vendors Need To Prepare
Vendors are expected to hold a current DSHS license or be ready to apply for one and keep both that state permit and the city fire license available during inspection. They should be prepared to show vehicle registration, VIN, and insurance, maintain required handwashing and three-compartment sinks where applicable and make sure hood and ventilation systems meet code.
The City of El Paso's mobile food guidance also directs operators to file applications and fees at the One Stop Shop at 811 Texas Avenue and to keep the inspection score for their central preparation facility up to date, per City of El Paso Code Enforcement.
Enforcement And Penalties
At the state level, House Bill 2844 allows health officials to levy administrative penalties, suspend or revoke licenses and order emergency suspensions if a mobile operation is deemed an imminent threat to public health and safety, according to House Bill 2844. Locally, city officials have warned that running a truck without the required permits or a valid fire-license inspection can result in enforcement action.
Vendors facing suspension or revocation can request hearings through the State Office of Administrative Hearings as outlined in the statute, per House Bill 2844.
For help navigating the new system, vendors can contact the Texas DSHS Mobile Food Vendor team at [email protected] or 512-406-2644, and should book any needed fire inspections through the El Paso Fire Marshal's Office using the contact information in the department's post. Getting documentation in order and checking hoods, LP systems, and extinguishers ahead of time can lower the odds of costly reinspections and enforcement once the new licensing regime is fully in play.
