VIDEO: The Texas A&M Forest Service awarded $164 million in grants to volunteer fire departments around the state on Tuesday. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program held a funding committee meeting to highlight 879 approvals that are set for Fiscal Year 2026. The program started in 2001 after a severe wildfire season, and the 77th state legislature decided to invest in volunteer fire departments. Capacity building department head Jason Keiningham said the state legislator helped contribute to the grants.
“We just want to strengthen their capability. We’re very thankful to the state legislator for making this day possible and we appreciate the governor for signing off because none of this would be possible,” Keiningham said. The grants help volunteer fire departments better serve their communities. According to the Forest Service, the departments have 20 or fewer members which means the grants are crucial to their success. Elm Mott Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Pechacek said the grants can help departments which may be struggling financially.
