Program Available to Equip Volunteer Fire Departments to Fight Wildland Fire

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program until Oct. 31, 2025. Departments may apply for VFA wildland fire suppression kits to supplement their department’s wildland firefighting capacity.

“Volunteer fire departments are critical when it comes to wildland fire suppression in Tennessee and are often the first responders on the scene,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “We are proud to invest in the fire departments that serve as valuable partners in protecting Tennessee’s people, communities, and infrastructure.”

Last year, TDF allocated $165,000 in federal funds to provide wildland fire suppression kits to 85 volunteer fire departments across the state. The kits consist of personal protective equipment, tools, and other supplies, with a total value of approximately $3,000. Kits will be awarded in February 2026.

Volunteer fire departments serving communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer are eligible to apply for the program. Fire departments must have a current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TDF dated after June 30, 2019.

Departments wishing to establish an MOU should contact the Assistant District Forester for Fire in their district. Visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/staff for a list of forestry staff.

More information and the application for applying to the VFA program can be found online at www.tn.gov/tnwildlandfire/suppression/vfa.   

The Division of Forestry protects, conserves, and enhances Tennessee’s forest resources. Focus areas include assisting landowners with a variety of services, providing quality tree seedlings, supporting forest health programs, collecting forest inventory data, assisting forest industries, and fighting wildland fires. Visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests for more information.