LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through October 2, 2026.
Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the Department will distribute 70 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across Arkansas this year. Since 2014, more than 898 kits have been provided to strengthen local wildfire response capabilities.
“Rural volunteer fire departments are vital partners in protecting Arkansas communities,” said State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “These firefighters know their landscapes and their quick action is often the first line of defense against wildfire threats. By providing these suppression kits, we’re investing directly in their safety, preparedness, and ability to safeguard lives, property, and natural resources across the state.”
Each kit includes essential wildland response gear such as lightweight wildfire-resistant coveralls, wildland gloves, rakes, backpack water pumps and leaf blowers.
Rural volunteer fire departments are encouraged to apply online, but paper applications are available upon request. Applications are evaluated based on the population of the fire district, the number of square miles covered, the average number of wildfires a department responds to annually and other factors.
Selected departments will be notified in November, and kits will be delivered in spring 2027, or as soon as supplies are available.
Departments with questions may contact Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@arkansas.gov.
Additional information and application materials are available through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website.
