The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources accepts applications for the Forest Fire Protection grant program annually.

Local fire departments and county or area fire organizations may apply for Forest Fire Protection Grants. Grant funding is intended to expand the use of local fire departments and other fire suppression organizations to augment and strengthen the department’s overall initial-attack suppression capabilities on forest and wildland fires.

The grant program provides funds for the purchase of forest fire suppression equipment and training, including: personal protective equipment (clothing must meet NFPA 1977 standards); forest fire training; forest fire prevention; forest fire tools and equipment; communication equipment; dry hydrant installation; rural fire mapping and numbering; and off-road, all-wheel drive, initial-attack vehicles.

Fire department grant limits:

Minimum grant: $750 ($1,500 total project costs)

Maximum grant: $10,000 ($20,000 total project costs)

County/area fire association grant limits:

Minimum grant: $5,000 ($10,000 total project costs)

Maximum grant: $25,000 ($50,000 total project costs)

May 1 to July 1, annually