Written by Amanda Coers – You wouldn’t think the availability of water would be an issue for the Brownwood Lake Bridge Fire Department, but it turns out fighting fires near the county’s largest water source is actually harder than many realize. Because of the rural area, there are no fire hydrants, meaning the firefighters need to bring water with them to battle blazes.

The department has six fire-fighting vehicles, three of which are “grass rigs” used to combat grass fires. Another, called the “brush truck” is a massive tanker rig, over 30 years old and built to last. The Lake Bridge Department also has a 4,000 gallon tanker but as Fire Chief Randy Feight says, “It’s slow getting there.”

[adrotate group=”8″]

The new firetruck gives the department the ability to carry more water in the 158 square mile area they service in the northwest portion of Brown County. It also has the capability not only to carry 1,000 gallons of water, but also serves as a pumper truck, allowing firefighters to hook hoses and extinguish flames directly. There are currently 13 regular volunteer firefighters within the Lake Bridge department, and they’re always looking for more.

“If you know anyone who’d like to volunteer out here at the lake, we can always use them,” said Chief Feight. “Young volunteers,” he added with a chuckle.

The Lake Bridge Fire Department held a check presentation ceremony on Tuesday afternoon with representatives from the Texas A&M Forest Service. A ceremonial check for the $200,000 grant amount was pictured with the grateful fire department.