IIJA funding is provided to support the volunteer fire departments in communities less than 10,000 population, to make sure that they are prepared for wildfire response

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded $282,000 through the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698) to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources on September 15, 2025, to support wildfire preparedness and response capacity among volunteer fire departments in Washington communities with populations under 10,000. The award, which extends through December 1, 2029, will provide necessary supplies and equipment to approximately 50 volunteer fire departments, enabling them to effectively respond to wildfire threats and protect their communities and natural resources including timber and recreation areas.

Implementation of the grant commenced immediately upon award, with fire department applications accepted in November and December 2025 and funding allocation to participating departments beginning in February 2026. All funds flow directly to the volunteer fire departments as primary beneficiaries. This initiative aligns with the Forest Service's mission to support non-federal wildfire prevention, suppression, and mitigation activities while addressing the critical role volunteer fire departments play as the front lines of wildfire containment in rural communities.

IT is anticipated that these funds will support 50 communities, providing them with necessary supplies and equipment to effectively fight wildfire. Planning will start immediately with applications from fire departments being received in november/december and funding allocated by the state to the fire departments starting in february of 2026. All funds are going directly to the fire departments. Volunteer fire departments are the front lines for wildfire containment helping to protect communities and resources such as timber and recreation. This is direct alignment with agency mission. By not providing this support to volunteer fire departments the risk to the communities and other resources to catastrophic wildfire will continue.