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Lorena fire department getting funds to buy new equipment

Lorena Fire Department receives grant from Fireman's Fund and WmRigg. Click here to watch the video

It has gotten cooler lately, but there's been no rain to speak of. Central Texas is about nine inches below average for the year, and ripe for grassfires. Most firefighters will tell you it's sad, but true, bright orange flames are far too common in our drought stricken region. And fighting fires isn't cheap.

Lorena Firefighter Warren Hicks said, "Every time you go out on a fire you're having to use equipment that's [going to] wear out and need to be replaced." That's why Lorena firefighters are especially excited about a grant from the Fireman's Fund Insurance and William Rigg companies.

That grant is paying for new equipment like truck nozzles and high volume water pumps. The money also allowed the fire department to replace their old masks with these new ones. They have microphones on the side which allow firefighters to communicate with each other in person or over the radio when they're surrounded by flames.

Lorena Fire Chief Jim Meneffe said, "If you have a need for extra water or manpower, you can ask for it immediately."

That's important because every second counts when a grassfire is spreading across dry vegetation. Fireman’s Fund spokesperson Shawn Fabors said it's up to all of us to back the firefighters who protect us.

"Whether it's through a bucket brigade or volunteer donations, give to the firefighters because they are under-funded."

Under funded and over the past two years of drought, also over-worked.

The National Weather Service said Central Texas should see above normal precipitation this winter, but it's not nearly enough to make a dent in the drought. It will be several months before we see enough rain to turn things around.