The details
Nearly $1.7 million is available to assist volunteer fire departments through the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Fire departments in any of the 191 counties included in a state disaster declaration can apply for aid.
The TFS will fully fund up to $15,000 in repairs to or the replacement of “essential equipment,” according to a news release. Officials will provide up to $240,000 to replace nonessential equipment, such as brush trucks and water tankers.
Wildfire risk will remain high in the eastern two-thirds of Texas through Aug. 27, the TFS reported. Click here for more information about the weather conditions and fire safety tips.
Volunteer fire departments can apply for the grants online.
Quote of note
“Volunteer firefighters are our first line of defense against wildfires in Texas,” TFS Fire Chief Wes Moorehead said in the release. “During this active summer season, these firefighters are responding to wildfires daily. They work in extreme conditions that not only challenge them physically, but also cause their equipment to become worn and damaged.”
