Hughes Springs VFD Tornado Relief

It has been just over three months since a destructive tornado struck Hughes Springs Texas, on November 4th 2022 at 8 PM. The destructive winds ripped the roofs off of homes, uprooted trees and brought down power lines in our hometown. While some members of the community were blessed to have their homes and personal property spared, many residents suffered crippling losses from the storm. The Hughes Springs Volunteer Fire Department was no exception suffering total loss of our fire station and much of our equipment.

Within a minute we lost our fire station and most of our contents including 4 out of 5 of our apparatus. The fire station was one of the first buildings to be struck by the tornado which crippled our emergency response from the start. Neighboring departments were on scene to assist within minutes to assist in search and rescue, traffic control and other firefighting operations.

After the storm passed the extent of the damages suffered was realized, and the rebuilding process began. Our fire station was that was built in 1979 was barely left standing and what did not blow away was severely damaged or destroyed from the heavy rains that followed. Almost all of our protective clothing was lost along with all furnishings, tools, computers, communication equipment.

We are thankful for the many organizations and charities from across the state have pledged their support to our community, however our department needs required assistance NOW. Hughes Springs Fire Dept. is a local charity and has always been able to help quickly where needed.

Fortunately, our department was insured through the city of Hughes Springs but it could be months or even years before we are able to recover 100%, some items needing urgent replacement are tables and chairs for meetings, all of our vehicle maintenance equipment (hand tools) spare batteries for our thermal cameras, hand held radios and breathing apparatus. Not including the structure and apparatus our department’s estimated loss is close to $70,000. Your support to us will have an immediate and substantial impact in our department. With your help, our department can be back on the road to recovery and continue to provide a very important service to our community.

Any amount you decide to donate will be very much appreciated and will make a huge difference to our department and our community.

Very Best,

William Jay Cates

Fire Chief

Hughes Springs VFD

Update update we are going on 7 months since our station was destroyed by tornado I will post pictures later to show the progress which is nothing to brag about we're still a long way from being back in a fire station I do so much appreciate donations that have been given to our department