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Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department (FDVFD) through the Department of the Interior and Fort Davis National Historic Site received an $8,000 grant under the Rural Fire Assistance Program. The Volunteer Fire Department was able to partner with Fort Davis NHS because the VFD serves a community of less than 10,000 people adjacent to a federal site and has a cooperative agreement with Fort Davis NHS.
The federal funding was used to purchase a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) and it has been installed on a brush truck. This foam technology will enable the firefighters to extinguish fires quicker, reduce the chance of re-kindle, and use approximately half as much water. The new unit will not only help protect the 474-acre historic site, but also the 2,254 square miles in Jeff Davis County from wildland and structural fire.
The Rural Fire Assistance program has been funded for next year and a proposal to purchase much needed personal protective clothing and equipment for the volunteer firefighters has been submitted. The NPS and FDVFD both agree that it is a win - win situation for both agencies and that the residents of Jeff Davis County are the ultimate beneficiaries since the VFD is better equipped to fight fires.
The Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining, contact the fire department at 426-3900 or come to a meeting on the first, second, or third Monday of every month at 6:30pm at the Fire Department.
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