On May 11, 2017 — NEVADA, Texas — Nevada 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 is an Ultra-High-Pressure unit that has a 200-gallon water tank and a 20-gallon foam tank. The
UHP affects the molecular structure of the water, allowing for rapid cooling of the gases. This molecular change
and cooling capability is significantly enhanced with the addition of Class A foam.
“We have a lot of rural farmland in our 28-square-mile protection area, so this unit will be very beneficial in
fighting wildland and pasture fires while conserving water,” said Nevada VFD Fire Chief Jon Scott. “Since it is
an Ultra-High-Pressure unit, it requires about half the water to do the same job as a regular slip-on. It will allow
us to stay in the field longer and fight fire without having to replenish the water supply as quickly.”
The unit was mounted on a truck that will be used as a first out vehicle. The day that it was put in service, it
was used in response to two grass fires.
Nevada VFD has been providing fire service to its community of 8,500 since 1986 and is always looking for
ways to increase its capacity to better serve. The community and surrounding area will benefit from the
addition of this new slip-on.
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.