Volunteer Fire Departments obtain kits

The Rural Fire Protection Program, managed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, is awarding 87 wildland fire suppression kits to rural fire departments in 46 counties, including southeast Arkansas.

The RFP received $303,904.30 through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant from the United States Forest Service to purchase the kits.

Volunteer fire departments are the primary partner to Forestry Division crews in wildfire response and suppression, but they are often in need of specialized equipment and gear necessary for safe wildfire suppression. Equipment and gear in the kits include lightweight wildfire-resistant coveralls, gloves, rakes, and leaf blowers, according to a news release.

Southeast fire departments receiving kits in 2024 include: Altheimer (Jefferson County), Island Harbor (Jefferson County), Linwood/Moscow (Jefferson County), Southeast Jefferson County (Jefferson County), Swan Lake (Jefferson County), Wabbaseka (Jefferson County), Rison (Cleveland County), Halley (Desha County), Clear Creek (Drew County), Cornerville/County Village (Lincoln County), and Star City (Lincoln County).

Volunteer fire departments interested in participating in the program must submit an application to the RFP. The next application period is expected to begin in August.

Fire departments should receive an application by mail or obtain one at agriculture.arkansas.gov /forestry/rural-fire-protection-program/ when the application period opens. Details: Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov or (501) 679-3183.