Grant Details

Arizona's Rural Fire Capacity Grant Program (RFC) formally known as the Volunteer Fire Assistance or VFA Grant Program is authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1990. It provides financial assistance to train, organize, and equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress fires.

Funds may be used for supplies and non-capital equipment, firefighter training, fire awareness and prevention efforts, and fire district organization. 

Eligible project categories include: 

• Basic RFC Supplies (Priority) – Funding support is available for Nomex clothing, hard hats, gloves, goggles, fire shelters, line gear, fire line tools (Pulaski's, shovels, etc.) and water handling equipment (pumps, hoses, drop tanks, etc.).
• Wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Grant funding in this category is only available for necessary clothing and line gear that cannot be purchased through the BASIC option above.
• Wildland Training for Department Personnel - Grant funding for the tuition and travel costs for RFD personnel to attend wildland fire training opportunities.
• Wildland Equipment and Water Handling - Grant funding may be available for fire line tools (Pulaski's, shovels, etc.) and water handling equipment (pumps, hoses, drop tanks, etc.). Funding in this category is only available for necessary items that cannot be purchased through the BASIC option above.
• Radio Communications (P25 Compliant) - Grant funding may be available for purchase of P25 compliant radio equipment and accessories only. 
• Fire Department Organization and Planning - Grant funding may be available for costs to form an organized fire district under ARS, Title 48. Funds may also be available for planning costs to support risk assessments or hazard mitigation planning.