PREPARING FOR WILDFIRES

  • FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS: VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS-COPY

    The primary goal of the VFD Assistance Programs is to enhance the emergency response capabilities of volunteer and combination fire departments with 20 or fewer paid members.

     

    Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to helping fire departments obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. 

     

    We encourage VFDs to consider each program and apply for those which you are eligible.

     

    Rural VFD Assistance Program
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    Rural VFD Insurance Program
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    DoD Firefighter Property Program
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    Helping Hands
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    Fire Quench
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    VFD Motor Vehicle Self-Insurance Program
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    Firesafe
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     + DoD Firefighter Property Program

    The U.S. Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program provides excess DoD military property to emergency service providers. Ownership of the equipment is passed from the federal government to the recipient. Statewide enrollment is now open.


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     + Federal Excess Personal Property

    Through the Federal Excess Personal Property Program, TFS acquires excess federal equipment on loan from the federal government. The property is then loaned to fire departments and other emergency response cooperators who become responsible for the maintenance of the property as long as the property is in their possession. Once returned to TFS, the property is reissued or disposed of.

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     + Fire Quench

    Fire Quench is a Class A foam concentrate that acts to slow heat and stop the combustion process. It is composed of a mixture of anionic surfactants, foam stabilizers, inhibitors and solvents. Through this program, Fire Quench is sold in 55 gallon drums and 5 gallon pails at TFS offices throughout the state.

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     + Firesafe Program

    The Firesafe Program has processed more than $1.05 million in protective clothing and gear. The merchandise is purchased in bulk in order to pass along savings to rural and small community fire departments. Eligible fire departments get quality wildland and structural protective clothing at a savings of 30 to 40 percent.

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     + Helping Hands Program

    The Helping Hands Program allows the donation of used equipment while providing liability relief to the donor. The program routinely receives donations in the way of structural gear, fire hoses, nozzles, rescue tools, ladders, ventilation fans and other items that are essential to the operation of a fire department.
     
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     + Rural VFD Assistance Program (HB 2604)

    The Rural VFD Assistance Program is a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature. It provides funding to rural VFDs for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.

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     + Rural VFD Insurance Program (HB 3667)

    The Rural VFD Insurance Program provides reimbursement grants for Texas firefighters to obtain workers compensation, death and disability insurance from private insurance companies. Each year more than 400 fire departments and 11,000 firefighters apply for the grant offering.

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     + VFD Motor Vehicle Self Insurance Program

    Through the VFD Motor Vehicle Self Insurance Program TFS provides vehicle liability insurance at a greatly reduced cost.

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