SHIRO, Texas — Shiro Volunteer Fire Department received a $38,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest
Service to purchase a new slip-on unit with a compressed air foam system (CAFS). The new unit will
help resolve challenges and add more firefighting capability.
“The lack of fire hydrants in our area makes it even more important to be able to carry an adequate
amount of water to the fire scene,” said Shiro VFD Fire Chief Dan Sharron. “The unit has a 300-gallon
water tank and a CAFS system that helps to increase the ability of the water to quench the fire. This
system can be used on grass fires and other types of fires.”
A CAFS system is used in firefighting to deliver fire retardant foam for the purpose of extinguishing a
fire or protecting unburned areas. The foam system can aid in quickly extinguishing a fire which helps
limit the damage that fires can inflict and helps to increase the effectiveness of the water.
Shiro Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1982 and has 13 volunteers that serve a 66-square
mile area.
“Shiro VFD utilizes the equipment grant programs that Texas A&M Forest Service offers,” said
Sharron. “The grants are critical to the operation of our department.”
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 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 .