The Dilley Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $15,000 grant
for the purchase of new thermal imaging cameras through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program.
A new addition to the department, the forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras use a thermographic
camera that senses infrared radiation. Thermal cameras are valuable tools when finding hot spots, faulty wiring
in fire situations, or when locating victims or downed fire fighters in heavy smoke. They can also be helpful
when attempting to locate ejected victims of auto accidents.
“We have already used one of the cameras on both a vehicle fire and an oilfield fire to make sure things were
cooled down before we left,” explained Dilley VFD Chief Daryl Kallio.
Dilley VFD serves a population of approximately 5,500 people over 650 square miles in Frio County.
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.
To learn more about fire department assistance programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit
http://texasfd.com.