By Texas A&m Forest Service on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Texas A&M Forest Service awarded nearly $20 million to 518 rural volunteer fire departments across the state today to support 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.

The awards mark the first funding round of fiscal year 2027 through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, which provides costshare funding to rural volunteer fire departments for firefighting equipment, training and other emergency needs.