Arkansas Rural Fire Departments Encouraged to Apply for Wildfire Suppression Grants

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is inviting rural volunteer fire departments to apply for grants for wildland fire suppression kits, with applications open until September 30, 2024.

Through a grant from the United States Forest Service, the Forestry Division aims to distribute 85 suppression kits this year to support volunteer fire departments throughout the state. Since 2014, over 757 kits have been provided, enhancing the capacity of rural fire teams to respond to wildfires.

Volunteer fire departments are crucial partners for Forestry Division crews in wildfire response and suppression, yet many lack the specialized equipment necessary for safe operations. Each suppression kit includes lightweight wildfire-resistant coveralls, wildland gloves, rakes, backpack water pumps, and leaf blowers.

Rural volunteer fire departments are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, paper applications are also available upon request. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as the population of the fire district, the area covered, and the average number of wildfires each department responds to annually.

Selected departments will be notified in November, with kits expected to be delivered in the spring of 2025 or as soon as supplies are received.

For further inquiries, fire departments can contact Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov or (501) 679-3183. More information about the program can be found on the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website.