May 4, 2017 — KENNARD, Texas — Kennard Volunteer Fire Department recently received funding from
Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The grant was used to
purchase fire equipment to help protect lives and property.
Kennard VFD purchased a slip-on unit with a 200-gallon water tank and a Compressed Air Foam System that
has a 10-gallon foam tank.
A slip-on unit is an apparatus built to meet the demands of the fire service and easily mounted in the back of a
pick-up or a custom-built platform and is especially effective in fighting wildland fires, off-road grass fires, car
fires and many others.
“The department chose a 200-gallon water tank because of the weight limit of the truck, but the foam system
will allow us to fight three times the fire because of its characteristics to make the water go further,” said
Kennard VFD Fire Chief Don Parrish. “The capability of the foam is such a benefit. It can help extinguish a car
fire in just a matter of seconds.”
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.
Kennard VFD has been serving their community and surrounding area since 1963. They cover a 245-square
mile protection area and aid with fire suppression and medical response. Anyone wanting to volunteer may call
the fire chief at (936) 222-1671 and request an application.
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.