NEED HELP WITH PRIVATE FIRE COMPANY

[pfr172]

I am thinking about starting a fire company in rural Texas. I was talking to one of my friends about how controlled trash burns turn into a major brush, and in Johnson county the fire code says that you have to have resources on hand to put out the fire immediately if you have to. So after hearing this I went to johnson county to see how controlled these burns are. I talked to several residents that said they would be willing to pay a private fire company to come out and make sure that the fire doesn't burn into their pastures. I already own a refurbished 1980 American La France pumper with 1000' of 5" line 2 crosslays with 250' each as well as 500' of 3" line. It has all firefighting equipment that is required by the state. I also have a 1993 ford mini-pumper with 2 booster reels and a 300 gal. tank. It also has 150' of 1 1/2 crosslay. It also has all the required brush firefighting equipment. So does anybody have any suggestions about how to get started and how to get customers?

[Eng522ine]

You just happened to have an engine and a mini-pumper sitting around??? Man, I wanna go to one of your garage sales!!!

Seriously though, I would recommend looking into the liability and workers compensation insurance angles first, that will be a major expense. Second off, talk to people who would be your likely employees and see what they would expect as pay. Then see just how much these folks would be willing to pay and just how much they'd be willing to pay, and if they'd agree to signing contracts. Then go to the county and state governments and see what if any certifications, licenses, etc. you might need.

Or you and a few buddies could go out and do it for cash. What Uncle Sam don't know he can't tax. Good luck with it either way.

[pfr172]

Well, I bought the engine for $20,000 and then refurbed it. The brush truck was given to me by my brother in law to use at our ranch.

[LtStick]

Boy and I thought we got a sweet deal on our 1973 CF Mack pumper. We paid $19,500.00 for it.
You may want to talk to the local Fire Chief or Chiefs who areas you will be operating in just to try and keep relations civil. They are liable to take offence to what you are doing.
Also if you would get certified you may want to talk to the Department of Forestry in your area and see if you can contract your services out to them. They may be interested its hard to say but, this may be an option for you.
Good Luck with your endeavor

[51Truck_K]

Ask anyone from your nearest Local of the IAFF...sure they could help.....I think you are in for more trouble than you know!!!!

[LHS*]

There are hundreds of cntrat fire companies out west North Tree Fire a private company has contracts with CDF for intital attack in certain areas of Califonria.