Doddridge Fire Department receives new tanker, grant
Doddridge Fire Department has a new much-needed tanker truck thanks to the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s Forest Resource Protection Division.
The 2009 Freightliner was a military truck that the Department of Defense donated to the Forest Service as part of a grant program. The Forestry Service gave the truck to the Doddridge Fire Department, and firefighters have been working for a while to convert it to a tanker truck.
We stripped it down to the frame and started over with it. We rigged a spray system for it, put lights on it, and painted it red. It was military green,” said Doddridge Fire Chief Lonnie Hazel.
“Our other tanker is getting out of date. We are needing to take it out of service soon,” Hazel said. “This is a good addition to our station.”
On Wednesday, the fire department showed the truck off at the station and also received a $500 Firewise grant from the Rural Fire Protection/U.S. Forest Service.
The AFC’s Forest Resource Protection Division assists departments with wildland fire prevention and suppression among other protection efforts.
The new tanker has a 2,500 gallon tank, which is double the size of the older tanker.
Doddridge Fire Department also has a fire engine, a brush truck and tanks at the fire department that will hold 50,000 gallons of water.
Firewise USA, the parent program of the local Arkansas Firewise chapter, is a nationwide initiative that recognizes communities for taking action to protect people and properties from the risk of wildfires. Communities tailor program efforts to fit their needs with cooperative assistance from
the AFC, the Arkansas Firewise team, and their local fire staff.
Doddridge Fire Department completed Firewise USA renewal requirements of conducting education and mitigation activities that address local wildfire safety concerns, therefore qualifying to receive a grant from the AFC.
“Volunteer efforts from fire departments like Doddridge are invaluable to their community. These risk reduction efforts can help prevent fire damage and strengthen firefighter safety as they work to save homes and property from the threat of wildfire,” Arkansas Firewise coordinator Travis Haile said.
To learn more about the Rural Fire Protection of Arkansas Firewise programs, visit www. aad.arkansas.gov/arkansas-forestry-commission.
“Volunteer efforts from fire departments like Doddridge are invaluable to their community. These risk reduction efforts can help prevent fire damage and strengthen firefighter safety as they work to save homes and property from the threat of wildfire.”
—Arkansas Firewise coordinator Travis Haile