August 2025

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to assisting communities and fire departments in protecting lives, property, and the environment.

Forestry and Wildfire Spotlight: Governor Sanders Visits Grant County Foresters and Wildland Firefighters

On July 24, Governor Sanders visited with Department foresters and wildland firefighters from Grant County as part of the Governor’s Capitol for a Day event in Sheridan. We were honored to share Grant County’s forestry heritage and our role in protection and management with the Governor.

Photo taken on Shelby Taylor Trucking timberlands south of Sheridan. Pictured (from left) are Grant and Bobby Taylor, Taylor Trucking; Secretary Wes Ward; Forester Sam May; State Forester Kyle Cunningham; Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders; District Forester John Cook; and Forest Ranger I Jesse Williams.

Spotlight: Martin Township

Martin Township received a 2004 Pierce Firetruck from the Rural Fire Protection (RFP) Program. Pictured (from left) are Firefighter Laura Easter, Fire Chief Micheal Easter, and RFP Mechanic Adam Bartelt.

Wildland Fire Suppression Kit Application Period Open Deadline: September 30, 2025

Rural and volunteer fire departments may now submit applications for wildland fire suppression kits offered through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service. The equipment and gear in the kits include lightweight wildfire-resistant coveralls, wildland gloves, rakes, backpack water pumps, and leaf blowers.

Fire departments should contact Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov with any questions. More information can be found online here.

Available Equipment

The following equipment is available for fire departments through the RFP Program:

2005 Chevy C4500 4x4 (Propane, Quantity Available: 2)

If interested in available equipment, contact Greyson Cooper at (501) 679-3186.

Contract Sales

Fire departments may purchase certain firefighting equipment through contract sales. The following items are available now:

• Pump & Engine - $3,850
• Water-Only Skid Unit - $15,200
• Foam Skid Unit (pictured below) - $16,200

If interested in available equipment, contact Lisa Clark at (501) 679-3171.

Save the Date: 2025 Rural Fire Show

For additional information, email kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov or visit our website.