Current limitations in equipment, training, and personnel significantly hinder the ability to respond safely and effectively

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded $321,000 to the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps on August 19, 2026, under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program (CFDA 10.698) to enhance wildland fire response and safety across Puerto Rico.

The grant addresses current limitations in equipment, training, and personnel that constrain effective response in high-risk environments characterized by steep slopes, restricted access, and rapidly changing fire behavior. Funding will enable the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps to strengthen operational capacity, protect natural resources and agricultural lands, and safeguard at-risk communities from uncontrolled wildfires.

The Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps, a division of the Puerto Rico Fire Department (Servicio De Bomberos De Puerto Rico), receives the award as the ultimate recipient. Performance occurs in Puerto Rico with a completion date of June 30, 2028. This is a Project Grant, a form of assistance under the State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance program that provides technical and financial support for prevention, control, suppression, and prescribed use of fires on non-federal lands.

Wildland fire crews routinely face high-risk environments where steep slopes, restricted access, and rapidly changing fire behavior increase operational danger. The combination of dry vegetation and human activity in rural and forested areas has created a persistent high-risk environment for both residents and responders. Without immediate investment, the frequency, severity, and consequences of uncontrolled wildfires will continue to escalate. The grant will enable the cooperator to: enhance wildland fire respond and safety, protect natural recourses and agricultural lands, safeguards at-risk communities, strengthen operational capacity.