The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for $851,255 in Volunteer Fire Capacity grants to help rural fire departments protect public safety and natural resources. The application deadline is December 22, 2025. 

“Volunteer fire departments are essential partners with DEC Forest Rangers in battling wildfires across the state,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.  “The Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program helps support fire personnel in these departments with the resources they need to continue the vital work protecting our communities and State lands.”             

The Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC’s Division of Forest Protection. Eligible fire departments will receive 50/50 matching funds up to $3,500, a $1,000 increase from last year. In 2024, the program provided grants to 345 fire departments. 

Eligible fire departments include those that are at least 80 percent volunteer and provide wildland fire protection to a rural area within their jurisdiction. Fire departments that receive a grant award must complete all grant process paperwork. 

Only expenses directly related to wildland firefighting suppression efforts are eligible for funding.  These include the purchase of protective fire clothing and PPE, modern communications supplies for more effective action on incidents, firefighting supplies such as nozzles and hoses, tools and other smaller scale supplies, and water delivery systems such as cisterns and dry hydrants. 

Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as search and rescue supplies, acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases, and maintenance items (gas/gas cans, oil, bar chain oil) are not eligible for funding.