Maine Forest Service to Award $189,804 to Rural Maine Fire Departments for Wildland Fire Fighting Equipment Purchase

January 12, 2022

For more information contact: Ranger Kent Nelson at: kent.nelson@maine.gov (207) 287-4989

OLD TOWN: This winter, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) Forest Protection Division will award $189,804 to rural Maine Fire Departments as reimbursements for wildland fire fighting equipment purchases. One hundred three fire departments have been approved by the federally-funded Volunteer Fire Assistance Program grant committee to receive reimbursements.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Program grant program is posted online annually during August and applications are due by mid-November. Reimbursements are for purchases under $5,000, with the most common items purchased being personal protective equipment (such as wildland fire clothing), portable pumps, wildland fire hoses, and hand tools. The average amount for reimbursement is about $1,800.00.

Interested fire departments should visit the MFS Programs and Services web page. Or for personal assistance, please contact Ranger Kent Nelson by calling (207) 287-4989 or by emailing kent.nelson@maine.gov.