Man Steals Austin (TX) Fire Apparatus, Leads 90-Minute Police Chase

According to a report from KVUE, police stopped a stolen Austin (TX) Fire Department (AFD) truck using spike strips after a 90-minute pursuit on northbound I-35.

The suspect was arrested and identified as Frank Garcia Jr. He faces charges of theft of property equal to or greater than $300,000, unauthorized use of a vehicle, criminal mischief, criminal theft, and evading arrest/detention with a vehicle. 

Debris such as oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, hoses, and so on, came off the truck and damaged the roadways. A spokesperson for the fire department said they are working to get more information on the damages their fire engine and equipment sustained. 

No one was hurt in the incident.

Fredericksbur (TX) Fire

Fire Near Fredericksburg (TX) Grows to Over 8,600 Acres With No Containment, Officials Say

A grass fire near Fredericksburg was burning an estimated 8,640 acres Saturday, spurring evacuations in the Central Texas community.
Anthony Rowett and Rico Bush

Generation Engine: Upholding Standards in Firefighting

Host Anthony Rowett talks with Rico Bush, a seasoned firefighter from Mobile, Alabama, about operational standards and staffing.