DIKE, Texas -– Dike Volunteer Fire Department replaced a 1976 brush truck with a new custom-build fire
apparatus thanks to a cost-share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The truck has a 300-gallon water tank and a lot of storage area for wildland tools.
“The primary mission of this new truck will be for fires in our rural areas, but it will also be used when
responding to vehicle accidents,” said Dike VFD Fire Chief A.G. Sandifeer. “We are very pleased to have this
reliable brush truck as part of our fleet. It can seat three volunteers, has 4-wheel-drive, a winch receiver on the front
and back of the truck, scene lighting, and a charging port to help keep the truck batteries ready to perform.”
A brush truck is a fire engine specifically designed to assist in fighting grass fires by transporting firefighters,
water, and other equipment necessary for fire suppression.
“Approximately 70% of Texas fire service is filled by volunteer fire departments,” said Texas A&M Forest
Service Regional Fire Coordinator Cody Mayo. “Dike VFD is one of those departments and is made up of a
small group of volunteers who have servant hearts for their community and surrounding county. Having this
new truck in their fleet will help them as they serve by increasing the department’s firefighting capacity.”
The truck is in service and has been used to respond to several fires.
“The department appreciates Texas A&M Forest Service having grant programs available to aid small volunteer
fire departments across the state,” said Sandifeer. “Having this truck in our fleet will not only help with fire
suppression in our area but contribute to greater safety for our volunteers.”
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.