PLUM GROVE, Texas -- A fire truck was stolen from a Liberty County volunteer fire department, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

Plum Grove is a small town with a little more than 900 residents. It's a place where folks still feel safe enough to leave doors unlocked and keys in the vehicles.

But officials said someone took advantage of that trust and stole a fire truck early Friday morning, leaving the town northeast of Houston vulnerable.

"That's a life-and-death matter. Fifteen minutes -- Cleveland's got a 15-minute response, same from Splendora. Fifteen minutes is a long time when you're in trouble," Plum Grove Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kindal Trapp said.

Trapp said the keys were left in the middle console because with only 13 active members, the volunteer fire department needs quick and easy access.

Besides, no one ever thought that someone would steal from a group just trying to help.

"Nobody's ever bothered it because it's been a sacred deal because it is the fire department," Plum Grove Mayor T.W. Garrett said.

The chief describes the stolen vehicle as a one-ton brush truck. In a rural area with a lot of wood-frame homes, it is typically the first to respond in an emergency.

The theft has some residents concerned.

"Insecure and more. I used to not even think about it. But now, you just don't know anymore. That just don't happen around here," resident Dennis Burton said.

The mayor said he believes someone stole the truck for the fuel.

The chief said it might have been stolen by teenagers looking for a joyride.

Regardless, it is vital that the town gets it back.

"Give us a call. We need that truck. It's a matter of life and death for about 3,000 people in our service area," Trapp said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Liberty County Sheriff's Office at 281-593-8404.