LCRA, PEC award $21,096 grant to Spicewood Fire Rescue

New bunker gear will help protect firefighters responding to fires and other emergencies

June 12, 2026

Key Takeaways

• LCRA and PEC award a $21,096 grant to the Spicewood Fire Rescue for new bunker gear.
• The grant will enable the department to replace outdated equipment with new specialized gear and outfit additional volunteer firefighters.
• The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.

BURNET COUNTY, Texas – Spicewood Fire Rescue soon will purchase seven new sets of bunker gear to protect firefighters responding to fires, vehicle collisions and other emergencies, thanks to a $21,096 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $5,274 in matching funds from the department, will pay to replace expiring gear and equip additional firefighters with specialized bunker gear.

“We’re a combination department with paid and volunteer firefighters, and this grant will help us outfit more of our volunteers with compliant bunker gear,” said Andrew Hunt, administrative captain for Spicewood Fire Rescue. “We have four paid firefighters on duty at a time, and our volunteers help backfill, support major calls and respond when crews are already committed to another emergency. Having more volunteers properly equipped makes a real difference in our ability to respond.”

Bunker gear must be replaced after 10 years to remain compliant with safety standards. The gear protects firefighters from extreme heat, open flames, smoke, chemicals and other hazards. The gear also is used during vehicle extrications and other emergency incidents.

“We have to have bunker gear to go inside a structure fire and execute a rescue if someone is inside,” Hunt said. “One structure fire often requires a minimum of 15 firefighters on scene, so properly equipped volunteers are critical. These new sets will help us keep our firefighters protected while allowing more members to safely support emergency response.”

The department covers 55 square miles in Burnet County and responds to wildfires, structure fires, medical calls, vehicle collisions and more, with volunteers playing an important role in supplementing staffing during larger or overlapping incidents.

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.

About PEC

Founded in 1938 by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. is the nation’s largest member-owned distribution electric cooperative serving more than 430,000 meters across the Texas Hill Country. An industry-recognized leader providing outstanding member service and reliable electricity, PEC conducts its business via a transparent and democratic process and encourages member participation.