JACKSBORO, Texas — Thanks to a grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program, East Jack County Volunteer Fire Department replaced an older, unreliable slip-on unit with a
Compress Air Foam System (CAFS).
The new slip-on was installed onto the back of a truck that the department received in 2005 through a previous Texas
A&M Forest Service grant.
“This new unit has a 400-gallon poly water tank and a CAFS that is much easier to use than the older unit because the
foam system works automatically,” said East Jack County VFD Firefighter Luke Wilson. “The second week we had it, we fought a 250-acre fire in Jack County. We were out there about six hours, and the new unit proved that it is very
efficient and uses less fuel, making it more cost-effective.”
The primary use will be for wildland fires, but it will also be used for structure and vehicle fires since there are no fire
hydrants in the area and little access to water. The new unit will allow the firefighters to fight fire longer and increase
fire suppression with the addition of foam.
Firefighting foam is used to help cool the fire and coat the fuel, preventing contact with oxygen. The firefighter
spreads a blanket of foam on the area involved, smothering the fire and decreasing the possibility of it reigniting.
The volunteers raised the department’s cost share portion through public fundraising events.
“Our next fundraiser is an annual turkey fry that will be held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving,” said Wilson. “We
have had this event for the past 15 years on the Jacksboro courthouse square.”
Fire Chief Terry Worthington oversees the department that was founded in 2001. There are currently 10 volunteers
that meet the fire service needs. They have open enrollment for any dedicated individual wanting to give back to the
community. To apply, call Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Williamson at (940) 507-1971.
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.