Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants
Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants support Pennsylvania volunteer fire companies with wildfire equipment, protective gear, training, and prevention projects to protect lives and property in rural communities.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Due Dates: December 31, 2025 (2025 cycle deadline) | September 28, 2026 (2026 cycle opens) | January 7, 2027 (2026 cycle deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per fire company for 2026; 50/50 cost share
Summary: Supports Pennsylvania volunteer fire companies with equipment, protective gear, training, and prevention projects to protect rural communities from wildfires.
Key Information: A five-year waiting period applies between awards, with a limited exception for prior grants of $7,500 or less.
Description
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry, with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It helps organize, train, and equip local firefighting forces to prevent, control, and suppress wildland fires in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents.
The program aims to save lives and protect property in unprotected or inadequately protected communities. Supported work includes wildfire suppression equipment, protective gear, radios, dry hydrants, prevention and mitigation, training, and certain conversions or maintenance of federal excess vehicles. Selection considers community vulnerability and existing fire protection. Priority goes to wildfire suppression equipment and protective gear, and to fire companies with established goals and plans to achieve them.
