Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry has awarded a total of $453,386 in Volunteer Fire Assistance Capacity (VFC) grants to help equip and train 100 rural and volunteer fire departments across 54 counties. The funding, provided through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, will allow small-town departments to enhance their firefighting capabilities, improve safety for first responders, and strengthen local wildfire defense.
This year’s awards, which range from $1,090 to $5,000, will be used to purchase essential equipment such as radios, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units, turnout gear, and water-handling tools. Some funds will also go toward firefighter training and education, helping departments stay ready for both wildland and structural fire emergencies.
Supporting Indiana’s Frontline Responders
For communities that rely on volunteer firefighters, the grants represent more than just financial support—they are a lifeline for departments that often operate with limited budgets but face significant risks. The DNR Division of Forestry selects recipients based on several key factors, including local population density, the amount of public land under each department’s protection, and the department’s record of wildfire response reported to the DNR Fire Control Headquarters.
According to the Division of Forestry, this year’s awards once again emphasize projects that strengthen wildland firefighting efforts. These include equipment upgrades, water supply enhancements, and safety gear improvements to protect firefighters in the field.
Each department’s needs vary depending on geography and resources, but all share a common goal: keeping Hoosiers safe from the growing threat of wildfires and rural fires.
Enhancing Safety and Communication
Safety and communication remain at the heart of the 2024 VFC grant distribution. Many departments are directing funds toward SCBA units, turnout gear, and personal alert safety systems (PASS)—essential tools that allow firefighters to breathe clean air and remain protected in hazardous environments.
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Departments such as Poe Volunteer Fire Department (Allen County), Southwest Bartholomew County VFD, and Garrett VFD (DeKalb County) are among the dozens that will use their grants to enhance firefighter safety. Others, including Forest VFD (Clinton County) and Ireland-Madison Township VFD (Dubois County), plan to upgrade communications equipment like radios and pagers—vital links in coordinating response efforts across rural landscapes.
Meanwhile, departments like Galveston VFD in Cass County and Charlestown VFD in Clark County will invest their funds in water-handling equipment, ensuring that firefighters have reliable access to water during emergencies in areas where hydrants are scarce.
Investing in Wildland Firefighting Readiness
Wildfires have become an increasing concern across Indiana, especially during dry summer months when grasslands and forests are vulnerable. The DNR’s VFC grant program aims to give local departments the tools they need to respond effectively.
This year, departments including Montpelier VFD (Blackford County), Brown County VFD, Kirklin VFD (Clinton County), Marion Township VFD in Decatur County, and Shawswick VFD (Lawrence County) were awarded funds specifically for wildland firefighting assistance. These projects often include brush trucks, hand tools, protective clothing, and fire shelters—critical assets for containing wildfires before they spread to nearby homes or farmlands.
In southern Indiana, departments such as Livonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue (Washington County) and French Lick Fire Department (Orange County) are preparing for the challenges that come with managing wildland fires in hilly, forested terrain. With their new funding, they will be better equipped to defend both public lands and private property.
Strengthening Training and Community Outreach
Beyond gear and equipment, the DNR’s VFC program also emphasizes the importance of training and public education. Fire departments such as Francesville Volunteer Fire Department (Pulaski County) received funding dedicated to firefighter training, ensuring that volunteers remain skilled in the latest firefighting tactics and safety procedures.
Others, like Westville VFD (LaPorte County), are focusing on fire prevention and education—programs that teach local residents how to reduce wildfire risks through responsible land management, safe burning practices, and emergency preparedness.
Supporting New and Growing Departments
The program also helps newly established fire organizations gain the footing they need to serve their communities. Saratoga Ward Fire Department (Randolph County) received a grant under the “Organization” category, intended to support new departments as they build operational capacity.
Such funding ensures that even small or recently formed fire departments can access quality gear and training from the start—helping them grow into strong, sustainable teams ready to protect lives and property.
County-Wide Impact
From the northern lakes to the southern hills, the 2024 grants reflect Indiana’s diverse firefighting landscape. Departments large and small, urban and rural, are represented across the award list.
In Dubois County, five volunteer departments—including Dubois VFD, Haysville Community Volunteer Fire Department, and St. Anthony VFD—received grants ranging from $4,900 to $5,000 for safety and communication improvements. In Franklin County, departments like Brookville VFD, Laurel VFD, and Metamora Fire Department secured funding to upgrade their equipment and strengthen wildfire response.
Clinton County saw multiple recipients, with Forest, Kirklin, and Michigan Township VFDs all awarded grants to enhance communications and wildland firefighting capacity.
Elsewhere, Knox County received strong support, with Edwardsport, Freelandville, and Vincennes Township Fire Departments each earning $5,000 grants for safety and water-handling initiatives.
The Bigger Picture: Building Resilience in Rural Indiana
The DNR Division of Forestry’s VFC program is more than an annual funding initiative—it’s a long-term investment in Indiana’s emergency infrastructure. Rural and volunteer departments form the backbone of fire protection for much of the state, especially in communities far from urban centers where professional, full-time departments are limited.
By equipping these departments with modern tools and training, the state ensures that local firefighters can respond safely and effectively to a wide range of emergencies, from small brush fires to large-scale wildfires threatening agricultural and forested lands.
The program also reflects a growing awareness of how climate conditions and land use are changing fire behavior across the Midwest. Extended dry periods and invasive plant growth have increased the risk of fast-moving wildfires even in regions not traditionally prone to them. This makes preparedness a top priority for state and local officials.
A Partnership That Works
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Capacity grants are funded through a collaboration between the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Together, the two agencies aim to bolster local firefighting efforts and promote cooperation between federal, state, and local partners.
The DNR Fire Control Headquarters oversees the program’s administration, ensuring transparency and accountability in how funds are awarded and used. Each recipient department is required to match a portion of the grant amount, either through direct funding or in-kind services, which helps ensure that local communities remain invested in their own safety.
Continuing a Tradition of Support
Indiana’s DNR has awarded similar grants for decades, and the program continues to grow as more departments apply for assistance. While the awards may seem modest, their impact is substantial—especially for volunteer crews that rely on local donations and fundraisers to maintain operations.
For these firefighters, every new radio, protective jacket, or hose line can make the difference between containment and catastrophe. The state’s continued investment signals a strong commitment to keeping both first responders and residents safe.
Looking Ahead
As Indiana enters another wildfire season, the newly funded departments will put their upgraded equipment and training to immediate use. The DNR encourages continued vigilance and cooperation among fire departments, landowners, and community members to prevent and manage wildfires effectively.
The $453,386 in grants awarded this year will help ensure that when fires do break out—whether in a field, forest, or neighborhood—volunteer firefighters will be ready, better equipped, and safer than before.
The DNR Division of Forestry expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the dedication of volunteer firefighters statewide, who continue to serve their communities with courage and resilience.
Through this annual initiative, the state of Indiana reaffirms its commitment to strengthening rural emergency response, protecting natural resources, and ensuring that every Hoosier—no matter where they live—can count on trained, well-equipped firefighters standing ready to answer the call.
In total, 100 departments across Indiana will benefit directly from this year’s Volunteer Fire Assistance Capacity awards, forming a network of local heroes prepared to face the challenges of modern firefighting with the tools, training, and teamwork they need to succeed.
