Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program

Forest Fire Protection (FFP) 50% cost-share grants are available to Wisconsin fire departments and county/area fire associations. Grant funding is intended to expand the use of local fire departments to augment and strengthen the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) overall initial-attack fire suppression capabilities on forest fires.

**There have been MANY changes to the eligibility list this year, make sure you take a look BEFORE filling out and submitting an application**

**Due to change in DNR radio repeater systems, a new priority category for radio reprograming for DNR digital communications and monitoring has been created for this years grant cycle**

Annual timeline

May 1	Application period begins
July 1	Applications due
Oct. 1	Awards announced and grant projects begin
Oct. 15	Signed grant agreements due
April 15	Grant projects end and reimbursement requests due

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

Wisconsin fire departments must have a signed and executed DNR Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Mutual Aid and Fire Suppression Services (Form 4300-061 R 12/11 or newer) [PDF]. Please reference the current MOU list [PDF].

NOTE: If a fire department does not have an MOU on file, it may still be eligible if an MOU is signed and executed on or before the application deadline date of July 1st.

County/area fire associations must have a majority of the fire department members serving organized forest fire control areas designated by the DNR.

Eligibility

Fire department grant limits

Minimum grant: $750 ($1,500 total project costs)
Maximum grant: $10,000 ($20,000 total project costs)

County/area fire association grant limits

Minimum grant: $5,000 ($10,000 total project costs)
Maximum grant: $25,000 ($50,000 total project costs)

Eligible expenses - CHANGES

Eligibility List [PDF] (This is not an all-inclusive list.)

Prioritized Funding Categories - (Radio Reprogramming moved to Communication Equipment)

Personal Protective Equipment (must meet NFPA 1977 standards)
Forest Fire Training
Forest Fire Prevention and Wildland Urban Interface
Forest Fire Suppression Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials (includes dry hydrant components and supplies for new installations only)
Communication Equipment for Forest Fire Suppression
Dry Hydrant Installation (costs such as excavation, site preparation, engine pad and signage)
Mapping, GPS
Off-road, all-wheel-drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs, RTVs, UTVs) up to 5-ton capacity used primarily for forest fire suppression (vehicles limited to individual fire department applicants)

Applying

Application materials

If you are having problems opening forms, please visit our PDF Help page.
If you continue to have problems with forms, please contact the FFP grant manager.

Grant Application (Form 4300-119) [PDF] - must be signed and submitted by July 1
Electronic submittals (email and fax) must be received by midnight on July 1
- Paper submittals (mail) must be postmarked by July 1
- **Email submittal is highly encouraged and greatly appreciated**
Fire Department/DNR MOU for Mutual Aid & Fire Suppression Services (Form 4300-061) [PDF]
Current MOU List [PDF]

Reference materials

DNR Fire Response Units (FRU) Map
DNR Forestry Contacts
DNR Forestry Equipment R&D Center and Product Catalog, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
FFP Grant Eligible Items Catalog - Note: Pricing is current as of May 2020. Prices are subject to change.
Fire Department Wildland Fire Training
FFP Prevention Flyer
Eligibility List
USDA-approved Class A Foams - Only USDA-approved Class A foams are eligible under the FFP grant program. Each of these products will be labeled as USDA-approved on the container. Be cautious of vendor claims of USDA approval without proof.
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200)[exit DNR]

Awards

Award materials

Reimbursement materials