Drought conditions are having a negative impact on a number of volunteer fire departments in the Texas Panhandle. Many volunteer departments are responding to more wildland fires than in the spring of 2017. The rise in call responses is forcing many departments to apply for grants to help offset costs. “It’s always worth the time it takes to apply for a grant because volunteer departments can’t or couldn’t operate without additional help,” said Ed Adamson, Fritch VFD Chief. Adamson tells ABC 7 News the problem magnifies for many volunteer departments during and after an active fire season.