Texas Awards Nearly $20 Million to Rural Volunteer Fire Departments

Texas A&M Forest Service awarded nearly $19.6 million to 518 rural volunteer fire departments across the state to help them purchase firefighting equipment and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

The grants will support purchases of fire apparatus, rescue equipment, protective clothing and other resources firefighters need to respond safely and effectively. The awards are the first funding round of fiscal year 2027 through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, which provides cost-share grants for equipment, training and other emergency needs.

Why rural departments need funding

Rural volunteer fire departments often serve large areas with small populations, relying on community volunteers to answer calls. That can make it difficult to raise enough money for costly necessities such as fire trucks, protective gear, radios and rescue equipment, as well as repairs, training and ongoing maintenance.

Because the departments are volunteer-based, many depend on donations, fundraisers and limited local funding to cover those costs. Grant assistance can help, but it may not cover every need. Texas A&M Forest Service says requests for assistance routinely exceed the program’s available funding, leaving departments competing for grants as they maintain or replace aging vehicles and equipment.

Volunteer firefighters are often the first to respond when emergencies occur. Texas A&M Forest Service said the grants help strengthen local response capabilities and provide departments with resources to protect lives and property.

The 89th Texas Legislature appropriated $192 million in one-time funding to help address outstanding requests. In addition to grants for apparatus and equipment, the program supports firefighter training, volunteer recruitment and repairs or replacement of equipment damaged or lost during catastrophic events or declared disasters.

Applications that were not funded in this round will remain under consideration in future rounds. The next funding round is scheduled for March.

A list of grant recipients is available online. For more information, visit the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program webpage.