JEWETT, Texas — The new addition to the East Lake Limestone Volunteer Fire Department was made possible thanks to a $218,000 cost-share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“This will be our first-out truck because it is so well equipped,” said Fire Chief Red Ard. “It has a compressed air foam system (CAFS), front bumper monitor, LED lighting, backup camera, air packs, carries 1,000 gallons of water and five firefighters, all valuable when fighting wildlands, structure and vehicle fires.”
According to Ard, two benefits of the new truck are that it is the biggest 4×4 in the department’s fleet, making it useful for high water rescues and that it has the foam system.
“The CAFS system delivers fire retardant foam that will coat the fuel and smother the fire, helping to keep it from reigniting,” said Ard. “The foam also keeps the water from puddling or running onto the ground, creating slippery areas, which can be a safety hazard at times.”
The department received training to familiarize everyone with the foam unit, air compressor, and pump.
“Our department is small but we work as a well-trained team to protect our community and surrounding area,” said Ard. “Anyone wanting to join our team may come to any of our meetings or drop by the fire station and talk to me or one of the volunteers.”
The department’s monthly meetings are on the second and fourth Saturday at 9 a.m. or the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are held at the fire station, 262 LCR 892, Jewett.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, a cost-share program funded by Texas State Legislature and administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural Volunteer Fire Departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit
http://texasfd.com.