Eligible volunteer fire departments are encouraged to apply for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 2026 Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program, which provides up to $3,500 for wildland firefighting equipment and supplies.
Eligible purchases include protective gear, communications equipment, hoses, nozzles, and hand tools. Departments must have at least 80 volunteer personnel, provide wildland fire protection to communities with fewer than 10,000 residents, and provide a dollar-for-dollar local match.
“Our volunteer firefighters dedicate countless hours to protecting our communities, and ensuring they have the equipment and resources necessary to do their jobs is incredibly important,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley, 139th Assembly District. “I encourage eligible departments to pursue this funding opportunity.
Hawley added that his office is available to provide letters of support for applications from fire departments within his district.
Applications are due December 30, 2026. Departments can find program information and applications through the DEC website (https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/public-safety/volunteer-fire-capacity-grants) or by contacting the DEC at vfagrant@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-2496.
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