Texas A&M Forest Service has awarded around $20 million to 518 rural volunteer fire departments across the state.

The funding supports firefighting equipment and emergency response capabilities; the $19. 6 million will help departments purchase firefighting apparatus, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, and other essential resources needed to safely and effectively respond to emergencies in their communities."When an emergency happens, volunteer fire departments are often the first to answer the call. We are committed to strengthening our local responders across Texas by providing critically needed equipment and resources to save lives and protect property when it matters most. Merrie Noak, Texas A&M Forest Service program leaderThe Texas A&M Forest Service stated that the awards mark the first funding round of fiscal year 2027 through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Applications that have not yet received funding will remain under consideration during future funding rounds. The Forest Service said the next funding round is scheduled for March 2027. A full list of Oct. 23 grant recipients can be found here. TEXAS (KAUZ) - Texas A&M Forest Service has awarded around $20 million to 518 rural volunteer fire departments across the state. The funding supports firefighting equipment and emergency response capabilities; the $19. 6 million will help departments purchase firefighting apparatus, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, and other essential resources needed to safely and effectively respond to emergencies in their communities."When an emergency happens, volunteer fire departments are often the first to answer the call.

We are committed to strengthening our local responders across Texas by providing critically needed equipment and resources to save lives and protect property when it matters most.