Volunteer Fire Assistance Program
Objectives of the VFA Program
- Provide financial, technical, and related assistance to rural volunteer fire departments and their communities.
- Award VFA sub-grants of up to $3000 per department on a 50/50 cost share basis to enhance wildland fire suppression capabilities.
- Enhance firefighter safety and promote the use of wildland personal protective equipment.
- Provide basic wildland fire training classes for volunteer fire department members.
Key Qualifying Guidelines
- A single fire department serving a rural area or a rural community with a population of 10,000 or less is eligible (latest Census).
- Area fire departments (fire districts, first due area, etc.) may serve an aggregate population of greater than 10,000 as long as the service area of the fire department includes a rural area or a rural community having a population of 10,000 or less.
- Federal funds will reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost to the fire department after approval and certification that items have been received and paid for by the department (50/50 match grant).
- Complete VFA guide at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/partners/vfa/help/guide.htm.
- Grants will not be approved for medical, rescue, or HAZMAT equipment; capital construction projects; or vehicle purchase.
2011 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Application Package
The 2011 VFA grant application period is now open. Please read this
letter which provides all
the information you will need to complete the
application and return it to
the Forest Service in a timely manner.
Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants Awarded
The 2011 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grant awards have been announced. This year the Forest Service was able to fund 44 Fire Departments in 12 counties for $92,000. The total estimated project cost is $240,794.
Attached is a list of awarded departments for 2011.
2011 VFA Awards
2010 VFA Awards
2009 VFA Awards
2008 VFA Awards
2007 VFA Awards
2006 VFA Awards
2005 VFA Awards
2004 VFA Awards