Gurdon, Caddo Valley fire departments getting wildfire suppression kits

The Rural Fire Protection Program (RFP), managed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, has awarded 87 wild land fire suppression kits to rural fire departments across 46 counties in Arkansas.

The RFP received $303,904.30 through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant from the U.S. Forest Service to purchase the kits.

Clark County fire departments receiving grants were Caddo Valley and Gurdon. In neighboring Hot Spring County, the Lono-Rolla, Perla and Rockport departments were recipients of kits. Fire departments in Pike County receiving kits were Antoine and Nathan. In Ouachita County, the Two Bayou volunteer fire department also received a grant.

Volunteer fire departments are the primary partner to Forestry Division crews in wildfire response and suppression, but they are often in need of specialized equipment and gear necessary for safe wildfire suppression. Since 2014, more than 757 wild land fire suppression kits have been distributed to volunteer fire departments throughout the state. The necessary equipment and gear in the kits include lightweight wildfire-resistant coveralls, gloves, rakes and leaf blowers.

Volunteer fire departments interested in participating in the program must submit an application to the RFP. The applications are scored according to specific criteria including fire district population, the size of the response area, wildfire equipment response needs, and other factors. The next application period is expected to begin in August 2024.