KILGORE — The White Oak Volunteer Fire Department has a new set of wheels.
The department acquired a four-wheel drive diesel military truck from the Texas A&M Forest Service after wildfires in 2011 destroyed three structures, two trailers and one business.
Fire Chief Bill McBride said they had 25 grass fires in the area last year, and this new truck will help fight the fires faster.
"We [looked] at Hurricane Harvey and Houston, and what they were using, and we thought you know, this might be something to look at," McBride said.
After receiving the truck in October, it was sent off to Waco for a paint job.
McBride said firefighters added a back step, a rack for the fire hose, overhead light and a siren. A 500-gallon tank with foam capability was also installed.
The truck will not only help the department with battling wildfires in White Oak, but also in Gregg County.
"If we're mutually aiding another department it doesn't drain our department of the equipment that we might need for the citizens of White Oak," McBride said.
The truck has not been put to use yet, but McBride said it is ready to roll.
