Volunteer Fire Assistance
Forecasted
Volunteer Fire Assistance supports rural volunteer fire departments in Montana with wildland training, protective gear, equipment, communications, and planning to strengthen rural fire preparedness and response.
Funder: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: 50% VFA funding and 50% non-federal match; reimbursement-based awards
Summary: Supports rural volunteer fire departments with wildland fire training, protective equipment, communications, equipment, and planning.
Key Information: Eligible departments must serve rural communities of 10,000 or fewer people and have at least 80% volunteer firefighting personnel.
Description
Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) provides financial, technical, and related assistance to rural volunteer fire departments preparing for and responding to fires on rural lands and threats to rural communities. USDA Forest Service funding, supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passes through the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). DNRC’s Fire Protection Bureau administers the program to improve fire protection in unprotected or inadequately protected areas.
Supported work includes wildland training, personal protective equipment, firefighting equipment and water handling, P25-compliant communications, and department organization and planning. The program also supports forming new rural or volunteer fire districts. Its focus is preparedness and mobilization for rural fire prevention, control, and suppression.
