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Volunteer Fire Assistance Program (VFA)

VFA, Title IV, is a federal matching funds program with dollars provided through the USDA Forest Service. The program is administered by the Montana State Forester (State Department of Natural Resources and Conservation - DNRC). Title II/IV authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide funds and technical assistance to the Montana DNRC to organize, train and equip local forces for preventing and suppressing wildfires.

  1. Financial assistance on any project during any fiscal year cannot exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures, including expenditures of local and private non-profit organizations participating in the agreement.

  2. This assistance is available only to communities under 10,000 in population, but groups of smaller communities may join together in a combined effort to serve more than 10,000 people.

  3. Costs associated with the project prior to project approval, are normally not eligible for funding.

  4. Cost sharing funds for approved projects will normally be transferred at the completion of the project.

  5. Project coverage might include such items as:

    • Fire Protection Organization and Planning
      • Formation of Rural and Volunteer Fire Districts
      • Fire Plans
    • Fire Training
      • Structural fire protection
      • Wildland fire protection
    • Fire Equipment
      • Communications systems
      • Conversion of Excess Military Property
      • New equipment purchases
    • Fire Prevention
      • Signs, posters, and educational materials
      • Smoke detectors, tools, and equipment
      • Prevention projects
    • Wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  6. Construction or improvement of fire stations for housing fire equipment, normal operational expenses, and maintenance expenses cannot qualify for Volunteer Fire Assistance funds.
  7. Federal funds may not be used by local organizations to match VFA funds.

    To apply for VFA / RFA funds:
    1. Review the criteria (items 1 through 3) to make sure you qualify.
    2. Go to the Forms page and get the VFA/RFA Application. Complete a project application form, and return one copy to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation In Missoula. The mailing address is in the application.