November 14, 2016 — CASTROVILLE, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service recently awarded a $118,000
grant to Castroville Volunteer Fire Company for a new brush truck through the Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program.
The truck, a 2015 Ford F-550 with a compressed air foam system, is a replacement for an outdated truck.
The body of the truck was raised to accommodate 44-inch run-flat tires, while a 400-gallon water tank, 25-gallon
foam tank and a winch rated for 12,000 pounds were added. The truck also features an infrared camera
connected to a monitor in the cab, allowing a clear view behind the truck. This view enhances the safety of
firefighters as they work behind the truck.
“The main benefit of this truck is having the compressed air foam system because having foam capabilities
doubles the effectiveness of the water,” said Castroville Volunteer Fire Company Chief Richey Lair. “The truck
has a 400-gallon tank, but the fire retardant foam doubles the firefighting capabilities. It’s like having 800
gallons of water. The foam coats the fuel, helping to smother the flame while cooling the fire.”
Castroville VFC, situated 19 miles west of San Antonio, serves a population of approximately 12,000 people
over 130 square miles. Being so close to San Antonio, the population in the area is expected to increase
significantly.
“We are considered a rural area right now, but the San Antonio population is growing west, so we expect a lot
of development in the near future,” Lair said. “With that growth comes greater responsibility for the citizens
and the structures that will be built. This truck adds to our capacity to meet those demands.”
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 the Texas State Legislature and administered
by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural VFDs 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.