The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through Sept. 30. Applications can be submitted online here.
Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the Department plans to distribute 75 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across the state this year. Since 2014, more than 830 kits have been provided to enhance local wildfire response capabilities.
“Our partnership with rural volunteer fire departments is the foundation of wildfire response in Arkansas,” said State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “These departments are on the front lines with us, and this program is one of the most important ways we can equip and support them. Their dedication, local knowledge, and quick response are critical to protecting communities, property, and natural resources across the state.”
The necessary equipment and gear in the kits include lightweight wildfire-resistant coveralls, wildland gloves, rakes, backpack water pumps, and leaf blowers.
Rural volunteer fire departments are encouraged to apply online, but paper applications are available upon request. Applications are evaluated based on the population of the fire district, the number of square miles covered, the average number of wildfires a department responds to annually, and other factors.
The selected departments will be notified in November, and kits will be delivered in the spring of 2026 or as soon as supplies are received. Fire departments should contact Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.