Through this grant, we aim to acquire essential wildland firefighting supplies and state-of-the-art equipment while providing comprehensive training for our dedicated firefighters

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded Virgin Islands Fire Service $141,000 through the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698) on September 22, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2027. This Project Grant funds the acquisition of essential wildland firefighting supplies and state-of-the-art equipment, along with comprehensive training for firefighters serving the U.S. Virgin Islands. The training curriculum addresses critical operational competencies including fire behavior analysis, safety procedures, equipment operation, effective communication protocols, and specialized instruction on fire weather monitoring and GPSI (Geographic Prioritization System Index) systems.

The initiative is designed to significantly enhance firefighter preparedness and operational effectiveness as wildfire threats continue to escalate in the territory. By combining equipment procurement with skills development, the award strengthens Virgin Islands Fire Service's capacity to prevent, suppress, and respond to wildfires on non-federal lands in accordance with the program's mandate to support fire management operations and rural fire department capabilities across state and private forestlands.

This training program will cover various skills and knowledge, including understanding fire behavior, following safety procedures, operating equipment, and effective communication. Additionally, they will receive training on the fire weather monitor and gpsi. Our initiative seeks to significantly enhance their preparedness and operational effectiveness as wildfire threats continue to escalate.