February 2024

The Rural Fire Protection (RFP) Program within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is dedicated to assisting communities and fire departments in protecting lives, property, and the environment.

U.S. Department of the Interior Launches Pilot Program to Strengthen Local Governments' Wildfire Response

This month, the U.S. Department of the Interior launched a pilot program to strengthen local governments’ wildfire response by converting vehicles to wildland fire engines. This program will help small, remote emergency response agencies quickly expand their wildfire response capacity as they continue to face the devastating impacts of climate change, drought, and intensifying wildfires.

The pilot program can be used by local governments to purchase slip-on tanker units that will allow them to quickly convert trucks and other vehicles to be operated as wildland fire engines. Local governments that provide emergency services to areas with a population of 25,000 or less are eligible to apply. Grant amounts will range from $10,000 to $200,000. 

Spotlight

Lepanto Fire Department, Poinsett County, recieved a 2001 Sea-Ark boat. Pictured is Captain Nathan Mahan, Fire Chief Earnie Hill, and Assistant Chief Woody Kirk.

Avoca Fire Department, Benton County, recieved a 2016 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4, as well as a $10,000 refurbishment grant to assist with repair costs.

101 Gamaliel Fire Department, Baxter County, recieved a 2008 Forest River enclosed cargo trailer.

Available Equipment

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

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

Contract Sales

Did you know that the RFP Program offers skid units and pump/engines at state contract prices? To request a contracted item, please reach out to Lisa Clark, RFP Administrative Analyst, at (501) 679-3171. The following items are available:

Pump/Engine

Price: $3,850.00

Quantity: 5

• Vanguard, 18hp VGD-MR engine
• 4-stroke gasoline
• Electric start with recoil start backup
• 20 amp charging
• Max flow: 290 GPM
• Max pressure: 220 PSI

Water Skid Unit

Price: $15,200.00

Quantity: 1

Includes:

• Pump/engine
• 250-gallon poly-tank
• Electric rewind hose reel with 300 PSI 1" x 150' rubber hose

Foam Skid Unit

Price: $15,295.00

Quantity: 2



Includes:

• Pump/engine
• Water skid unit with 10-gallon foam tank and adjustable inductor

Pictured Above: Foam Skid Unit

What's in the Warehouse?

Note: The RFP Program does not hold items that are available in the warehouse.

Cold Weather Jackets

Sizes small and medium

Seat Belt Cutters

Field Packs with Frame

Backpacks

Danner Lace-Up Boots

Men's Sizes: 7.5R, 9W, 9XW, 9.5W, 10.5R, 10.5W, 10.5XW, 11W, 11XW, 11.5W, 11.5XW, 12R, 12W, 12.5R, 12.5W, 13R, 13W

Ammo Cans

Duffle Bags

Save the Date: 2024 Rural Fire Show

Save the date for the 2024 Rural Fire Show! Join us at the Conway Expo Center on October 5, 2024, for our annual event thanking Arkansas firefighters and their families. Keep an eye out for additional information coming soon!

For additional information, call (501) 679-3581 or visit our website.