Volunteer Fire Assistance Program and Grants
ATTENTION: All fire departments with IRS Non-Profit Designation status must include an IRS Determiniation letter with grant submittal.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) 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.
Volunteer Fire Assistance grants funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 is available through a 50/50 reimbursement system on an annual basis. Grant applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year, and recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFA grant funding include:
- Nomex Clothing
- Pumps & Hoses
- Tanks
- Fire Shelters
- Wildland
Fire Hand Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
ATTENTION: All fire departments are required to obtain a Vendor Code number from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Controller for the fire department.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster Grant
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Natural Disaster (VFAND) Grant program, provides grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less that have been negatively affected by a recent Natural Disaster. This
includes tornados, flooding, ice storms, and any events where a natural
disaster resulted in a declared state of emergency. VFAND grants are currently 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 funds ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available through a 50/50 reimbursement system. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFAND grant funding include: Nomex
clothing, pumps, hoses, tanks, fire shelters, wildland fire hand tools and
personal protective equipment. VFAND application forms are available on line. Application deadline is April 30, 2026.
Training Opportunities for VFDs
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. Please contact the field office in your area for more information about training courses.