FORT HANCOCK, Texas — Hudspeth County ESD #1 puts their first large brush truck into service thanks to a cost
share grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. It is a
new 2017 brush fighter on a Freightliner chassis with a 1,500-gallon water tank and a 30-gallon foam tank.
A brush truck is an initial-attack unit used to help meet the demands of the fire service. It is a pickup truck or chassis
that has a tank, pump and hose mounted to the bed or platform and is used as a quick assault on grass and brush fires.
“Our service area is in a desert-type region where water can be a problem,” said Hudspeth County ESD #1 Fire Chief
Manuel Galindo, Jr. “This truck is extremely important because it can carry a large volume of water or can draw from
a pond or pool, giving us greater response capability.”
The two water cannons and two attached lines mounted inside the walk area behind the cab of the truck will give the
department a significant advantage when fighting wildland fires.
“The truck will allow for a faster, safer approach to fighting wildland, structure, and automobile fire,s and having foam
capability will be a big benefit,” said Galindo. “
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.
The department appreciates the grant and the support of their local EMS that helped to make this new addition
possible.
“Our department has taken advantage of several types of grants that Texas A&M Forest Service offers,” said Galindo.
“Not only truck grants but equipment and training grants.”
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.
Hudspeth County ESD #1 has been serving their community since 1968. Currently, 13 volunteers participate in
offering fire service. Committed volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wanting to give back to their community
may pick up an application at the fire station office located at 71880 SH 20, Monday through Friday, 8 am – 4 pm.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.