Vermont Wildland Fire Gear (VWFG) Grant

Vermont Wildland Fire Gear (VWFG) Grant is sponsored by Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Wildland Fire Equipment | Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Forests and Climate Change Urban & Community Forestry Current Wildfire Situation Update Community Wildfire Plans & Grants Vermont Wildland Fire Gear Grant The purpose of the Vermont Wildland Fire Gear (VWFG) Grant program is to provide financial assistance to equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress fires.

A rural community is defined as having a population of 10,000 or less, based on the most current US census. This 10,000 population limit is intended to ensure that fire departments that need the most financial assistance receive available funding. For this purpose, the VWFG Grant has funding for eligible towns and departments.

This grant is funded by federal Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) funds from the US Forest Service.

Grant Opens - May 15, 2026 @ 4:30 pm Grant Closes - June 1, 2026 @ 4:30 pm Notification of Award - June 13, 2026 Grant Agreements Out for Signature - July 17, 2026 Purchasing & Receiving - July 17 - September 1, 2026 Reimbursement Receipts Due - September 11, 2026 Documents/Information needed to apply for this grant: VWFG Grant Requested Items Form Federally Funded Risk Assessment Questionnaire Act 154 Good Standing Certification Your organization MUST HAVE a SAM.

gov UEI#. Don't have one? Click here to register, renew, or check the status of your organization's UEI.

Please note: you do NOT need to complete a full registration. Contact Information for the person in your organization with legal authority to sign a document for that organization (Typically a Fire Chief, Town Clerk, Grants Administrator, etc.) Have Questions?

Attend an informational webinar: Friday, May 15, 2026 @ Noon - CLICK TO REGISTER Monday, May 18, 2026 @ Noon - CLICK TO REGISTER Tuesday, May 19, 2026 @ Noon - CLICK TO REGISTER ---------------------------------------------------------------- Frequently Asked Questions? 1. How is this different from the 50/50 Gear Purchasing Program from the past?

In the past, towns/departments were able to place orders for wildland firefighting gear through FPR. FPR then ordered, packaged, and delivered the gear and equipment. This process took many months to complete, with some towns waiting till spring for their gear.

Additionally, towns/departments were limited to a narrow set of items. The VWFG Grant will allow towns/departments to apply for funds from FPR. Once approved, they will purchase gear and equipment from their chosen vendors and submit receipts for reimbursement.

A reimbursement of 50% of total costs, up to $3000 (or their approved amount) will then be given to the town/department. This process will allow for greater flexibility to purchase a wide range of wildland firefighting gear and equipment, and allow towns/departments to select vendors and work with them directly from ordering to receiving. 2.

What types of wildland firefighting equipment can be reimbursed?

Wildland fire personal protective equipment (Nomex pants, Nomex shirts, Nomex coveralls, wildland hardhat, goggles, leather gloves, fireline/personal gear packs, first aid kits, headlamps, Nomex face/neck shrouds, Chainsaw Chaps) Wildland pressure pumps and associated equipment used in wildland fire suppression (portable wildland fire pumps, fuel tanks, suction lines, and accessories) Hand tools used in wildland fire suppression (Shovel, Council tool, fire rakes, Pulaski, McLeod tool, Combination tool, axe, tool handles, tool sheaths) Forestry hose used for wildland fire suppression (non-jacketed forestry hose 1-1/2” diameter or smaller) Forestry nozzles and appliances used for wildland fire suppression (1-1/2” or smaller: nozzles, gated wyes, adapters, reducers, increasers, Tees, shut-offs, gaskets) Other equipment used for wildland fire suppression (leaf blower, backpack pumps, liners, and repair parts, hose packs) 3.

What types of funding requests will not be considered? Any single item costing more than $9,999.

00 Repair or construction of buildings Foam & Fire Extinguishers Thermal imaging equipment The rehabilitation of existing dry hydrants Vehicles (including ATVs), parts, or modifications to vehicles PTO pumps, volume pumps, trash pumps Any equipment not directly related to wildland fire suppression or pre-suppression (e.g., drones, rescue equipment, etc.) Routine operating supplies or expenses 4.

What does the process look like for a department or town? 5. What do I need to submit to receive the reimbursement?

If you were awarded a grant, once your approved equipment is ordered and received, you need to submit the following documents to receive reimbursement. ⁠ VWFG Grant Invoice (A copy is in your grant agreement.) REM INDER: WE WILL NOT COVER TAX OR SHIPPING