The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program, formerly known as the rural community fire protection program, is designed to establish and enhance fire protection in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less. Through this program, the Division of Forestry provides training, grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments.
The objective of the VFA grants is to improve Kentucky's rural volunteer fire departments to protect lives and property. VFA grants are available on an annual basis and applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year. Grant recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Grant funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 is available through a 50/50 reimbursement system. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFA grant funding include:
* Nomex clothing
* pump hoses
* tanks
* fire shelters
* small fire suppression equipment and personal protective equipment.
The 2009 VFA Grant application cycle is now closed.
Since 1979, over $2 million in VFA grants has been awarded to volunteer fire departments across the state. For a listing of the number and amount of grants awarded from 1979 to 2008, please click Volunteer Fire Grants Summary. For a listing of the fire departments awarded grant funding for 2009, please click Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Recipients for 2009.
Over 700 volunteer fire departments in Kentucky completed a survey conducted by the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) to identify major areas of concern. To view the survey, click NASF Fire Department Survey Results.
For more information and assistance regarding the grants, contact Michael Harp, fire management program specialist, at 800-866-0555.
Wildland firefighter training courses are offered to fire departments across the state. The training includes the S-130 and S-190 courses, which are wildland fire courses certified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
The FEPP program provides equipment to loan to local fire departments for suppressing wildland fires in their area. FEPP is authorized through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 USC 2106) and administered by KDF. The program provides low-cost fire protection equipment, tools and supplies for rural Kentucky fire departments. Equipment available includes trucks, tankers, generators, tanks, fire hoses and turnout gear. Items must be used for fire protection purposes only. Legally chartered fire departments may qualify to receive FEPP upon agreement to:
1. Sign a memorandum of agreement with KDF.
2. Respond to all calls within their coverage area.
3. Provide mutual aid to KDF upon request.
4. Keep equipment painted, protected and in serviceable condition.
5. Acquire and maintain liability insurance for FEPP vehicles.
6. Return equipment to KDF for proper disposal.
To apply for FEPP equipment, fire departments should contact their local district office or their local county ranger technician.
