Receive up to $5,000 to enhance (wildland) firefighting capacity

The South Carolina Forestry Commission administers the USDA Forest Service’s Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants program. The VFA program offers 50/50 matching-fund grants to local fire departments that want to increase their firefighting capacity, especially for those departments serving communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Fire departments serving rural communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer residents are eligible for VFA grants.

The intent of the VFA grant is to help the rural volunteer fire departments meet the wildland-urban interface (WUI) challenge in South Carolina. Through financial assistance in purchasing wildland firefighting equipment and making necessary training available, rural volunteer fire departments can more effectively and safely assist the Forestry Commission in dealing with wildland fires that threaten the rural developments and communities they serve.

Priority is given to departments that are:

• applying for the first time;
• purchasing a skid (slip-in) unit for a brush truck;
• purchasing wildland personal protective equipment (PPE: Nomex shirts, Nomex pants, Nomex coveralls, etc.);
• purchasing VHF radios (UHF / not 800);
• installing and maintaining dry hydrants;
• needing to purchase equipment to outfit their federal excess equipment loaned or provided by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Apply now!

How to Request Reimbursement for VFA Fire Protection Grants

The S. C. Forestry Commission has received authorization to distribute matching federal funds to fire departments in South Carolina under the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program through the USDA Forest Service’s National Fire Plan. The VFA Grants are for purchasing equipment and supplies to meet your structural or wildland firefighting needs. Receipts for equipment purchased must match the equipment requested in your initial grant application.

The Fire Department’s match can be direct expenditures for the purchase of supplies and equipment. The match can also be costs incurred by the department for wildland fire training or time spent on refurbishing or fabricating equipment (i.e. a brush truck). In either case, time spent by volunteer firemen to refurbish a brush truck or attend wildland fire training must be documented.

Reimbursement Forms

Coming soon…

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program – Questions & Answers

What is the VFA Program?

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program provides 50/50 cost-share funding to eligible rural volunteer fire departments to improve wildland firefighting capability, firefighter safety, and coordination with the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) and the USDA Forest Service.

Who is eligible to apply?

Fire departments must be at least 80% volunteer, serve a rural area or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), be actively involved in wildland fire response, and be in good standing with SCFC.

How does the cost-share work?

VFA is a 50/50 match. SCFC reimburses up to 50% of approved expenses, not to exceed the department’s allocated award amount. Departments must pay first, then request reimbursement.

What can be used as the department’s match?

The department’s match may include cash purchases of approved equipment, approved wildland fire training costs, volunteer labor for equipment fabrication or refurbishment, dry hydrant installation or maintenance, and documented volunteer time using the required timesheet.

Approved VFA Purchase Categories – Wildland Firefighting Equipment

Brush trucks and skid units; pumps; hose, nozzles, and fittings; slip-on units; fire shelters; drip torches; hand tools (Pulaskis, McLeods, rakes); portable water tanks; foam systems and accessories.

Approved VFA Purchase Categories – Wildland PPE

Nomex shirts and pants; wildland fire boots; helmets; goggles; gloves; fire shelters; web gear and line packs.

Approved VFA Purchase Categories – Communications

VHF radios (portable or mobile); radio accessories including microphones, batteries, chargers, and antennas directly related to fire operations. Pagers are also included.

Approved VFA Purchase Categories – Training

NWCG wildland fire courses including S-130, S-190, L-180, annual wildland refreshers, and other approved wildfire-related training. Structural-only training does not qualify.

Approved VFA Purchase Categories – Dry Hydrants

Installation, maintenance, repairs, direct materials, and documented labor.

What is NOT eligible for VFA funding?

Structural firefighting PPE, structural engines or ladder trucks, EMS equipment (except first-aid or EMR kits), rescue tools, station construction or renovations, fuel, routine maintenance, office equipment, or items unrelated to wildland fire response.

When must purchases be made?

Invoices must be dated within the approved grant period listed in the allocation letter. Purchases outside the approved period are not reimbursable.

How do departments get reimbursed?

Departments submit completed reimbursement forms, paid invoices showing proof of payment, required timesheets if claiming labor, and any required certifications or signatures.

Will all applicants receive funding?

No. VFA is competitive and funding is limited. Priority is generally given to first-time applicants, departments in high wildfire-risk areas, and requests that strongly support wildland fire response.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) administers the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program in South Carolina to strengthen rural wildfire response capabilities and improve firefighter safety in communities most at risk from wildland fire. Through this program, SCFC works in partnership with local volunteer fire departments and the USDA Forest Service to provide cost-share funding for critical wildland firefighting equipment, training, and infrastructure.

NOTE: The VFA program supports coordinated, effective wildfire response by improving interoperability between local fire departments and state and federal partners during incidents in the Wildland-Urban Interface. By enhancing equipment readiness, communications, and training, the program helps departments respond more safely and efficiently to wildfires that threaten homes, lives, and natural resources. In 2026, the VFA program will move to fully digital/ electronic. No more applications will be mailed out unless the Department request so.

For more information, please contact VFA Grant Coordinator Andy Johnson at ajohnson@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8809.