Gum Springs FD among rural fire departments to receive fire suppression kits from state

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

Among the recipients was the Gum Springs Fire Department, which serves a fire district in Clark County. In neighboring Hot Spring County, the Point Cedar Fire Department also received kits. A full list of kit recipients is available on the Department’s website.

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.

“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.”

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.