Volunteer Fire Assistance Program
Volunteer Fire Assistance Program supports rural volunteer fire departments with equipment, protective gear, and training to strengthen wildland fire suppression and improve firefighter safety.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: September 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (Web application deadline) | November 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (Application period closes) | December 31, 2026 (Purchase deadline)
Funding Amounts: 50/50 cost-share reimbursement; published maximums conflict between $3,500 and $7,500 per department
Summary: Supports rural volunteer fire departments with equipment, protective gear, and training to improve wildland fire suppression and firefighter safety.
Key Information: Departments serving more than 10,000 people may qualify if their service area includes a qualifying rural community.
Description
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources through the Maryland Forest Service. It provides financial, technical, and related assistance to rural volunteer fire departments and their communities. Its goals are to strengthen wildland fire suppression capabilities, improve firefighter safety, promote wildland personal protective equipment, and provide basic wildland fire training.
Support covers wildland firefighting tools, protective clothing, communications equipment, pumping units, rehabilitation of equipment acquired through federal excess programs, and training tuition. Equipment primarily used for wildland firefighting receives the highest priority. Structural firefighting equipment with a wildland application receives a lower priority, while equipment with no wildland firefighting application is disqualified.
