Vermont Wildland Fire Gear Grant 2026
The Vermont Wildland Fire Gear (VWFG) Grant program provides financial assistance to equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress fires. A rural community is defined as having a population of 10,000 or less based on the most current US census. This 10,000 population limit is intended to ensure that fire departments that need the most financial assistance receive available funding. $40,000 is available statewide. This grant is funded by federal Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) funds received by the State of Vermont from the US Forest Service.
The VWFG Grant will allow towns/departments to apply for funds from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR). Once approved, the town/department will purchase gear and equipment from vendors of their choice and submit receipts to FPR for reimbursement. A reimbursement of 50% of total costs, up to $3000 (or their approved amount) will then be sent to the town/department. This process will allow for greater flexibility to purchase a wide range of wildland firefighting PPE and equipment. Towns/departments will work directly with vendors from ordering to receiving. This process increases the grant funds available per town and total funds available, allowing more towns to participate.
For more information on the grant, please visit: FPR.vermont.gov/WildlandFireGear.
- Applications accepted beginning Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 4:30 pm.
- Deadlines for applications is Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 4:30 pm
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Attend a short webinar to review the overall process, learn how to apply for this grant, and ask any questions.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @ Noon - CLICK TO REGISTER
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 @ Noon - CLICK TO REGISTER
Monday, May 18, 2026 @ Noon - CLICK TO REGISTER