PAYNE SPRINGS, Texas –- Increasing firefighting capacity can sometimes be a matter of having the right
equipment. Payne Springs Volunteer Fire Department added a new brush truck to their fleet to help with fire
suppression in their growing wildland interface thanks to a grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program.
“We replaced a 2009 brush truck with this new 2020 Ford F550 that has a 300-gallon water tank, front bumper
discharges and equipment for both wildland firefighting and medical responses” said Payne Springs VFD Fire Chief
Adam Robinson.
The truck is designed for off road response with greater firefighting capabilities.
“One of the challenges we face in this area is what we call sugar sand,” said Robinson. “Even dually trucks can get
stuck in it, so we opted for this brush truck to have super single tires. Countywide, we may have one of the only
trucks with super singles that are lighter in weight and stronger overall, giving us the off-road capability.”
The rural area near Cedar Creek Reservoir is rapidly growing.
“Payne Spring VFD covers an area that has increased construction in an already dense interface,” said Texas A&M
Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Josh Bardwell. “With wildfires posing a significant threat to lives and
property, these firefighters have a new versatile apparatus to help respond.”
The department members trained on the new brush truck, giving them firsthand experience for a safe and more
efficient response.
“There is an increasing trend in housing development on small plots of acreage,” said Robinson. “We face a growing
need for quick response to new structures and this truck will allow us an improved option for wildland firefighting.”
Payne Springs Volunteer Fire Department has open enrollment. Anyone wishing to volunteer and contribute to the
protection of the Payne Springs community may obtain application information at [email protected].
“Our department is always actively recruiting individuals,” said Robinson. “If you have the heart to serve, we have
volunteer opportunities for you.”
Payne Spring VFD values continued community support.
“We appreciate community support that helps with the department’s daily operations and also for the work that
Texas A&M Forest Service does to make the grant programs possible,” said Robinson.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives, property and natural resources 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.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.