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Nueces County Emergency Service District #2 awarded new brush truck

Posted at 5:56 AM, Dec 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-11 10:54:54-05

A two-year wait for a grant approval from the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program recently paid off for the Nueces County Emergency Service District # 2 in Flour Bluff.

This will give the fire department two large brush trucks and one small brush truck.

The grant awarded them a 5-ton military truck and $20,000 for the fire pump and fire tank for the truck. This truck is not only a great benefit for Flour Bluff, but also for Padre Island because it helps to increase the firefighting capacity of the department.

“It helps the small departments, rural areas, and it really helps extend your budget when you basically get the truck for free,” said Nueces County ESD # 2 Fire Chief Dale Scott.

Just in the last 3 years, the Nueces County Emergency Service District has battled 265 brush fires. The new brush truck with its 750-gallon water tank and foam capability can only help the department.

“It gives us more capability for the brush fires in heavy brush, where the smaller brush trucks can’t get to it. It also has a dual purpose as it is also used for high water rescue,” said Scott.

The new converted military tractor brush truck can better meet the growing demand of brush fires and help ensure the safety of the people and property.

“Basically, you are going to get twice the fire response. It should be here in the next 45 days then it will take 2 or maybe 3 months to get it in service,” said Scott.

The new Flour Bluff Fire Station was built in 2003 and has 11 full time firefighters and 8 volunteers that provide fire service in Flour Bluff, Padre Island and unincorporated areas in the county.