RIO BRAVO, Texas –- Rio Bravo Volunteer Fire Department received a cost-share grant to help purchase a brush truck through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The new brush truck has a 500-gallon water tank and foam capability.
“Our department is very pleased to have this brush truck in our fleet,” said Fire Chief Juan Gonzalez. “Wildland fires make up a large part of our calls, so this truck will be used instead of our engine. The large tank and foam capability will help with getting fires under control quickly.”
The truck will carry wildland and medical equipment and serve the ranches and rural areas around Rio Bravo.
“Recently, we were the first department to respond to a 1,500-acre Miller Ranch fire,” said Gonzalez. “This new fleet addition will allow us to be even more prepared for response.”
A brush truck is a lightweight apparatus that can get off-road to fight fires where large trucks cannot go.
“This truck addition will be a great benefit to the community of Rio Bravo,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Timothy Kendrick. “It will allow for a quick response to wildland incidents in their area.”
Rio Bravo VFD has been serving their community and surrounding area since 1993.
“Our department is committed to serving our community, and we appreciate Texas A&M Forest Service for having the grant programs available that help small volunteer fire departments increase their capacity to better serve,” said Gonzalez.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives, property, and natural resources 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.