The state of west virginia is focused on addressing critical preparedness needs and hazard mitigation

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded the West Virginia Division of Forestry $212,314 on June 15, 2026, under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698) to address critical wildfire preparedness and hazard mitigation needs across the state.

The award funds firefighter safety, training, and initial attack capabilities; hazardous fuel reduction; community wildfire protection planning; prevention and mitigation education; and community mitigation initiatives. Firefighting and hazard mitigation supplies will be purchased to support wildfire preparedness and suppression operations. The project is structured as a multi-year effort running through June 11, 2031, enabling the Division to procure supplies over an extended period while adhering to purchasing guidelines, accommodating delivery schedules, staging equipment into service, and providing firefighter training.

Work is performed in West Virginia.

Critical preparedness includes firefighter safety, firefighter training, increased initial attack capabilities, and mobilization readiness for the efficient suppression and prevention of wildfires across the state. Hazard mitigation activities will focus on hazardous fuel reduction, promoting community wildfire protection plans, prevention and mitigation education, and community mitigation initiatives. Firefighting and hazard mitigation supplies will be purchased to support overall wildfire preparedness and suppression initiatives. This is a multi year project which will allow the state to purchase firefighting supplies over an extended period to allow following purchasing guidelines, allow time to deliver products, allow time for placing supplies in service and provide training to firefighters.