This project directly benefits south dakota rural volunteer fire departments by boosting their capacity to respond to wildfire incidents

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R2-Rocky Mountain Region awarded $140,390 to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, SD Wildland Fire Division on August 3, 2026 under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698).

The award funds grants to approximately seven rural volunteer fire departments in South Dakota through a competitive grant process. Rural fire departments will use the funding to organize, train, and procure firefighting tools and supplies to increase their wildfire response capacity and effectiveness. The program also supports analysis of current fire resources in rural South Dakota, development of plans to address resource weaknesses and needs, and funding for regional fire academies to deliver wildland fire training cost-efficiently and maximize student reach. Rural fire departments receiving sub-awards must meet match requirements.

Performance occurs in South Dakota. The period of performance runs through August 1, 2031.

The scope of work includes providing grants to rural fire departments to organize, train, and secure firefighting tools and supplies, thereby increasing their effectiveness and efficiency of fire protection responsibilities. The program also analyzes current fire resources in rural south dakota, develops plans to address weaknesses and needs, and funds regional fire academies to maximize student reach and deliver wildland fire training in a cost-efficient manner. The funding will be sub-awarded to approximately seven rural volunteer fire departments through a competitive grant process. Rural fire departments receiving funds will be responsible for meeting match requirements.