How are small fire departments make a living?
Beside the old engine in its death throes sat a functional volunteer-built wildfire unit sporting military drab for paint, one of the many government-surplus vehicles handed down to needy fire departments. Many of the country’s smaller fire departments, particularly those in sparsely populated rural areas, are challenged by financial limitations.
How does funding help a small fire department?
Funding in small fire departments runs the gamut of those that would be judged dirt poor and having soup suppers just to put gas in trucks all the way to those that are outfitted with the latest equipment, the nicest uniforms and gleaming new stations.
How big is four corners volunteer fire department?
A good example is the Four Corners Volunteer Fire Department in Hayes, SD. The department is responsible for maintaining fire protection in an area encompassing 1,953 square miles – an area larger than the land mass of a major U.S. city! This determined bunch of volunteers was scraping by on a budget of $10,500 per year.
How much money do you need to start a fire department?
Eligible fire departments must serve a community with a population of 10,000 or less. Most grants will be less than $5,000. Funding must be matched on a 50-50 basis by non-federal dollars or in-kind, and can be used for fire equipment, training and start-up organization of fire departments.
Beside the old engine in its death throes sat a functional volunteer-built wildfire unit sporting military drab for paint, one of the many government-surplus vehicles handed down to needy fire departments. Many of the country’s smaller fire departments, particularly those in sparsely populated rural areas, are challenged by financial limitations.
How many calls does Burtonsville volunteer fire department respond to?
You’ll be part one of the busiest firehouses in the area, with the opportunity to respond to thousands of calls annually. Gain a career’s worth of experience in just a few years — major fires, challenging rescues and more.
Is there a live in program at Burtonsville VFD?
College students from the area and throughout the country have taken advantage of the Burtonsville VFD’s live-in program that offers free accommodations and one meal a day in return for serving additional duty nights each week. You’ll be part one of the busiest firehouses in the area, with the opportunity to respond to thousands of calls annually.
How does the US Forest Service help small fire departments?
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program, formerly known as the Rural Community Fire Protection (RCFP) Program under the U.S. Forest Service, provides financial, technical and other assistance to state foresters to train and equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities.