Wildfires cost small fire departments

SPICEWOOD, Texas (KXAN) - Pedernales Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Warren is still putting out hot spots at the 6,400-acre wildfire that ravaged Spicewood and only has one working brush truck.

"This fire beat our trucks to pieces," he said.

The department has three brush trucks.  One is now sitting across the street from the fire department at an auto body shop waiting to be repaired. Another is out of commission, leaving the department with one working brush truck.  Other neighboring departments, however, have brought in brush trucks to help.

"We have probably changed about ten tires out," Warren added as he examined a bill from a local tire shop.

Replacing the tires is costly because they are not standard tires, they are heavy duty tires made to go over rough terrain.

Warren said the trucks were mainly damaged by rough terrain. Most of the land firefighters traveled over to put out flames was riddled with rocks, tree stumps, cactus and tree limps.

"You can see we have cactus needles in our tires," said Lt. Stormy Davis, with the department.

The tires are also melted and misses large chunks of rubber.

"The ground is hot and when we drive over that we damage the tires," Davis said.

Davis and Warren inspected their newest truck, purchased in 1999, Monday morning.

They found everything from missing water spouts to scratches and damaged hoses.

"I don't even want to think about this bill," said Warren.

Over the past week, fire crews had to cover more than 6,400 acres.  They were trying to protect and save 131 homes in the burn area. In the end, only 45 homes were lost.  Twenty-six of those homes are described as single-family, 18 were mobile homes and there was one duplex.

Only five other homes sustained damage.

"We did the best we could with what we had," said Warren.

Buying new brush trucks is not an option. Warren estimates his department's annual budget is $1 million. However, most goes toward paying fire crews that are staffed around the clock.

"We only have $12,000 for new equipment and supplies," Warren explained.

A price of a new brush truck runs from $60,000 to $100,000.

The department has now put in an application with LCRA to get loan to buy much needed supplies.

Mary Christopher, an EMT and administrator with the department, is also using the department's Facebook page to ask for monetary donations.

"Most of the things we need you cannot go out to the store and buy," she said.

The department is also asking for anyone who can to send checks to the department.  Donations are tax deductible and all the money will go toward equipment.

If you want to send money, do so to the following:

• Pedernales Fire Department Aux.
• Equipment Fund
• 801 Bee Creek Road
• Briarcliff, TX 78669

The department is also hosting a benefit barbecue on Oct. 1 from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. There will be live music.

Warren said if they cannot get money to repair equipment, should another fire break out, residents will have to wait for neighboring departments to come and help.

"They will send us help, but, there will be a delay," Warren explained.

There were no fatalities or injuries to civilians during the fire.  However, one firefighter did suffer a hand injury.