To address critical preparedness needs and hazard mitigation which include firefighter safety, fire planning, firefighter training, increased initial attack capacity, and mobilization readiness for…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded $940,000 to the Mid-Atlantic Forest Fire Protection Compact on June 5, 2026, under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698) to address critical preparedness needs and hazard mitigation across Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The award funds firefighter safety enhancements, fire planning, firefighter training, increased initial attack capacity, and mobilization readiness for efficient suppression and prevention of wildfires on non-federal forestlands and other non-federal lands throughout the five-state region. The Mid-Atlantic Compact, an interstate government entity headquartered in Trenton, New Jersey, serves as the prime recipient and operates exclusively through direct federal grant relationships with the Forest Service.

Performance extends through September 30, 2030, with work conducted across the United States. The Compact receives technical and financial assistance funding to support state fire agencies and regional firefighting capabilities within its service area.

To address critical preparedness needs and hazard mitigation which include firefighter safety, fire planning, firefighter training, increased initial attack capacity, and mobilization readiness for the efficient suppression and prevention of wildfires on non-federal forestlands and other non-federal lands in maryland, new jersey, ohio, pennsylvania and west virginia.