Rural Fire Departments Receive Fire Suppression Kits

An annual awarding from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture benefits many rural fire departments in the state.

The full release with a list of area recipients is below:

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has awarded wildland fire suppression kits to 65 rural fire departments across 36 Arkansas counties. 

Four departments in Boone County are receiving the kits including the Cottonwood Rural Fire Association. Diamond City Fire Department, Harmon Volunteer Fire Protection Association, and the Lead Hill Volunteer Fire Department. In the Inspiration Point Rural Fire Association in Carroll County, the Mt. Sherman Volunteer Fire Department in Newton County, and the Landis Volunteer Fire Department in Searcy County will receive the kits. 

“Our rural volunteer fire departments play an essential role in Arkansas’ wildfire response,” said Arkansas State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “These kits ensure that the firefighters who know their communities best have the tools they need to respond quickly and safely. Their commitment and expertise remain vital in protecting lives and property across the state.”

Each kit includes essential wildfire suppression tools and protective gear, such as personal protective equipment, leaf blowers, backpack pumps, and rakes, valued at approximately $4,850 per kit.

Fire departments interested in participating must submit applications, which are evaluated based on criteria including district population, response area size, current equipment needs, and other factors. The next application period is expected to open in August 2026, and eligible rural and volunteer departments will be able to apply online.

Since 2014, the Department’s Rural Fire Protection Program has provided more than 897 wildland fire kits to strengthen local wildfire response capabilities. The kits are funded in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant.