May 11, 2017 — GRAND SALINE, Texas — Grand Saline Volunteer Fire Department received funding to
help purchase a new slip-on unit through the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program.
A slip-on unit is a complete self-contained firefighting system designed for a pickup truck or custom-built
vehicle platform. It is used in wildland firefighting as well as structure and automobile fires.
This new slip-on unit is equipped with a Compressed Air Foam System, a 500-gallon poly water tank, and a 10
gallon foam tank.
Firefighting foam is used for fire suppression. It cools the fire and coats 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.
“We are a rural area with wooded terrain,n so our primary use of this slip-on will be for wildland fires, but it will
also be beneficial for structure, vehicle, and Class B fuel fires,” said Grand Saline Fire Chief Tully Davidson.
“This unit is replacing an older one that did not have a foam system. The foam allows the water to last longer
which gives us the ability to fight the fire longer before having to replenish the water supply.”
Grand Saline VFD has been providing fire service to their protection area since 1905 and are always looking for
ways to increase their capacity to better serve. The community and the surrounding area where the department does
mutual and automatic aid will benefit from the addition of this new slip-on.
Anyone wanting to volunteer and commit to giving back to the community may pick up an application at City
Hall, 132 East Frank Street, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The department is grateful to Texas A&M Forest Service for making the grant programs available and
appreciates the support of the local community.
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 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.