State of New Mexico accepting applications for nearly $1M to support rural firefighting efforts

Ten years spent as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician with a central New Mexico volunteer fire department gave Robert Brown the first-hand knowledge needed to help volunteer firefighters across the state.

Brown is the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program Manager for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) State Forestry Division and encouraged rural fire departments supporting populations with less than 10,000 people to apply for nearly $1 million in grants that are provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDA FS).

In 2022, a total of 24 rural fire departments received more than $358,000 through the VFA program, read an EMNRD press release.

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The VFA focused on strengthening local government’s organizational capabilities to respond to wildland fires by equipping rural fire departments with needed tools, education and equipment, the press release noted.

Brown served with the Tome Adelino Fire Department in Valencia County from 2001 to 2010. He also served as a seasonal firefighter with the USDA FS in the Magdalena Ranger District for four years.

Brown said the grants could be considered a morale booster for volunteer fire departments seeking new members.

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“Volunteer fire departments all across America are suffering from low participation. The average age of a volunteer fire department is 50 plus (years old) having this funding available to our fire departments for me is very important to help create some excitement about being a volunteer fire department (fire fighter),” he said.

Brown said departments that apply would receive $20,000 from the VFA.

“You can do quite a bit with $20,000 to buy new helmets and new accessories to help fight fire with the volunteer fire departments. This money can hopefully raise morale and hopefully raise the recruitment and retention of firefighters,” he said.

“These fire departments are our first line of defense to stop a catastrophic wildfire from destroying communities and causing loss of life. They need our support and the VFA grant gives them that,” she said.

Lincoln County Fire and Emergency Services Director JP Kemore welcomed VFA grants in the past.

In 2021, grants supported seven volunteer districts and 13 fire stations in an area of 4,830 square miles, the EMNRD press release cited.

Fourteen wildfires burned in New Mexico this year, according to data from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NMDHSEM).

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Downed powerlines earlier this year caused two fires to burn nearly 7,000 acres in Lincoln County.

The McBride Fire burned 6,159 acres along Gavilan Canyon in the Village of Ruidoso April 12. Two people died in the fire and 207 structures were lost.

The fire spread onto state forest and Lincoln National Forest land.

The Nogal Canyon Fire west of Capitan burned 412 acres and 14 structures on April 12. No deaths or injuries were reported, according to nmfireinfo.com.

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Kenmore said the grant money was useful in replacing firefighting gear that might suffer damage during a firefight.

“The funds give us the ability to purchase personal protective equipment, tools, radios and GPS technology that is pivotal in keeping our personnel safe on a wildfire,” he said.

“It’s a tremendous help when some budgets are limited when you can get extra stuff to keep you safe,” Kenmore said.

Interested parties have until Sept. 30 to apply for a VFA grant by contacting Brown at 505-476-3348.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: State offers $1M for volunteer fire wildfire protection