TERRELL, Texas — Ables Springs VFD added a state-of-the-art brush truck to help increase the
department’s capacity to save property and lives.
“This will be one of our first out trucks for brush fires,” said Fire Chief Robert Irwin. “It has a lot of
improvements that our other truck did not have, such as a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) 400
gallon poly water tank, scene lights, and floor and compartment lighting. The lighting will be important
when responding to a fire at night.”
A CAFS system is used in firefighting to deliver fire retardant foam for the purpose of extinguishing a
fire or protecting unburned areas. The foam system can aid in quickly extinguishing a fire which helps
limit the damage that fires can inflict and helps to increase the effectiveness of the water.
“This truck is by far the safest and most effective vehicle that we have for brush fires,” said Irwin. “It
has a backup camera, hands-free communication system, two remote-controlled front bumper sprayers
and monitor.”
The department members received training on the new apparatus to prepare for brush fires that may
occur in the rural areas.
Ables Springs VFD has been serving their community and surrounding area since 1996 and have open
enrollment for anyone wishing to volunteer and be trained. To apply, go the department’s website at
asvfd.org or call (972) 563-9557.
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.
Editor’s Note: Photos Attached
Contacts: Robert Irwin, Fire Chief; (972) 563-9557; [email protected]
John Fugitt, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator; (936) 546-1882;
[email protected]
Suzy Cossey, Business Associate; (979) 458-7339; [email protected]
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications; (979) 458-6606; [email protected]