Officials from key fire service organizations of Texas are asking for monetary donations and equipment to help local Texas fire departments impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Texas A&M Forest Service, State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association, Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System, and State Fire Marshal’s Office, officials deployed an online Rapid Fire Department Assessment Tool August 29 to determine any needs local fire departments had as a result of the storm.
The initial assessment showed that sixteen Texas fire stations were devastated, over 60 fire apparatus were destroyed and over 300 firefighters’ homes were damaged or destroyed. For four counties the severity of the damage has delayed assessments and losses reported are expected to increase. Assessments will continue until affected fire departments are contacted. Fire departments will need to replace fire apparatus lost or severely damaged in the storm, as was fire and rescue equipment.
“The State of Texas appreciates the outpouring of support to Texas fire service first responders,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief Mark Stanford. “Hurricane Harvey devastated the region and impacts to our fire service are no exception.”
Monetary donations for fire departments are being accepted through SFFMA by visiting www.texasfirefighterrelief.org. You may also donate money through the Texas Fire Chiefs Association at https://texasfireservice.org/.
To donate firefighting vehicles and equipment, please contact the Texas A&M Forest Service Helping Hands program at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/helpinghands/.
The Helping Hands Program allows donations of fire/rescue equipment, fire apparatus and other items to fire departments while providing liability relief to the donor.