Hawley: DEC has $3,500 grants for fire departments that provide wildland fire protection

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion firefighters Fred Piano and A.J. Fisher sweep the burnt grass and branches back into a fire along an Erie Canal embankment near Keitel Road in Albion on April 8, 2021.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C Batavia) is encouraging eligible volunteer fire departments throughout the 139th Assembly District to apply for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 2026 Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program, which provides up to $3,500 for wildland firefighting equipment and supplies.

Eligible purchases include protective gear, communications equipment, hoses, nozzles and hand tools. Departments must have at least 80 volunteer personnel, provide wildland fire protection to communities with fewer than 10,000 residents and provide a dollar-for-dollar local match.

“Our volunteer firefighters dedicate countless hours to protecting our communities, and ensuring they have the equipment and resources necessary to do their jobs is incredibly important,” said Hawley. “I encourage eligible departments to pursue this funding opportunity, and my office is available to provide letters of support for their applications.”

Applications are due Dec. 30. Departments can find program information and applications through the DEC website or contact DEC at vfagrant@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-2496.