Funds will be focused to address critical preparedness needs for firefighter safety, increased initial attack capability, and training to rural fire departments made up of at least 80% volunteer…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service Region 3 (Southwestern Region) awarded the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management $290,000 on August 26, 2026, under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698).

The award funds technical assistance to organize and train Arizona's volunteer fire departments serving communities of 10,000 or less and composed of at least 80 percent volunteer members, with emphasis on departments operating in areas that have developed community wildfire protection plans, hazard mitigation plans, or other collaboratively developed hazard mitigation plans. An estimated 4,000 state and local firefighters will receive fire training courses over the period of performance. The funding addresses critical preparedness needs for firefighter safety and increased initial attack capability in rural fire departments.

Performance runs through September 30, 2029, with all work taking place in Arizona.

Funds will be focused to address critical preparedness needs for firefighter safety, increased initial attack capability, and training to rural fire departments made up of at least 80% volunteer members and serving a population of 10,000 or less. An emphasis will be placed on funding areas that have developed or are developing community wildfire protection plans, hazard mitigation plans, or other collaboratively developed hazard mitigation plans. Thecooperator will use this funding to provide technical assistance to organize and train arizona's volunteer fire departments. An estimated 4,000 state and local firefighters will receive fire training courses over the life of the award.