March 10, 2016 — San Antonio, Texas — Leon Springs Volunteer Fire Department is now
better equipped to serve and protect its community and the surrounding area after adding a new slip-on unit. The department used a $12,300 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service to make the
addition possible.
“The new unit will increase our firefighting capabilities,” said Leon Springs Volunteer Fire
Department Fire Chief Robert Hardenstine. “We mounted the new slip-on unit onto a 5-ton
military truck and will be using it to fight brush fires in our community and our mutual aid areas.
Our goal is to update our equipment to better serve our area and also for in-state response when
called upon.”
The new slip-on unit has a compressed air foam system, which is especially effective in fighting
vegetation fires. The foam coats the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen and resulting in
suppression of combustion. This system has a very high heat absorption capability quality meant
to foster fire suppression.
While serving under Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M Forest Service works with fire service
cooperator throughout the state to minimize the loss of life and property in response to wildfires
and other all-hazard emergencies. This year, Texas A&M Forest Service is set to award
approximately $24.3 million in grants to volunteer fire departments for the purchase of
equipment and training.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.