New Brush Fire Truck Saves House on First Mission

Fredericksburg firefighters extinguish pickup truck blaze en route to station

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A new $200,000 brush fire truck purchased by the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department was put into action for the first time even before reaching the station, as the truck's crew spotted and extinguished a pickup truck fire that was threatening a nearby house just outside of Kempner, Texas.

Why it matters

The quick response and action by the Fredericksburg firefighters in their new brush truck demonstrates the importance of having the right equipment and trained personnel ready to respond to emergencies, especially in rural areas where fire departments may be spread thin. This incident highlights how the new truck could make a real difference in protecting homes and property.

The details

Fredericksburg EMS Director David Jung and volunteer fire captain Romney Kowert had just picked up the new brush truck on January 28th and were driving it back to the station when they noticed the pickup truck on fire next to a house. They immediately turned around, extinguished the blaze, and saved the nearby home from also catching fire. According to Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell, the Kempner Volunteer Fire Department was surprised to find the fire already under control when they arrived on the scene.

  • The new brush truck was picked up on January 28, 2026.
  • The pickup truck fire incident occurred while the Fredericksburg crew was driving the new truck back to the station.

The players

David Jung

Fredericksburg EMS Director

Romney Kowert

Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department captain

Lynn Bizzell

Fredericksburg Fire Chief

Kempner Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the pickup truck fire

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What they’re saying

“The Kempner Volunteer Fire Department was surprised when they arrived on the scene and the fire was close to extinguishment by a brush truck from Fredericksburg.”

— Lynn Bizzell, Fredericksburg Fire Chief (fredericksburgstandard.com)

What’s next

The new brush truck will continue to be put into service, responding to brush and wildland fires in the Fredericksburg area.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the value of investing in modern, well-equipped fire trucks that can quickly respond to emergencies, even in remote areas. The Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department's new brush truck was able to save a home on its very first mission, highlighting the importance of having the right tools to protect the community.