Castle Lake Ranch Volunteer Fire Department accepts a $196,000 cost share grant to help purchase a 2019 water tender that will increase the department’s fleet capacity. The rural area does not have fire hydrant accessibility so having access to 2,100 gallons of water at the onset of a fire will be a real asset.
“This tender doubles the amount of water that we can bring to a fire,” said Fire Chief Paul Miller. “Our other trucks carry smaller amounts of water to get started putting a fire out but the tender rounds out our fleet and increases our capability to extinguish a fire quicker.”
The cost share portion for the department was raised through generous donations from the community.
“The department appreciates the community helping to make this purchase possible and also for Texas A&M Forest Service having the grant programs available,” said Miller.
The water tender will be used to respond to wildland and structure fires.
Castle Lake Ranch VFD has been serving their community since 1975. They currently have open enrollment for anyone wanting to serve as a volunteer. To apply they may call the fire station at (830) 535-6611 or attend one of the department’s monthly meetings held the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the fire station located at 3801 Bear Creek Road.
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.