Fire DepartmentsLocal fire departments are important partners in Wisconsin's Forest Fire Program. The Fire Department Advisory Council (FDAC) [PDF, 45KB] is a council of fire department organizations, fire departments and the DNR - Division of Forestry. Member fire organizations include the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association, the State Fire Chiefs Association and the State Fire Instructors Association. Member fire departments represent broad geographical areas and different fire protection areas. The council was formed as a partnership and forum for the discussion of issues that affect both fire departments and the DNR on a statewide basis. Some issues discussed include wildland training programs, Forest Fire Protection Grants and Federal Excess Property vehicle program. Wisconsin Fire Department SurveyWisconsin Fire Departments were asked to participate in a wildland fire program survey in Fall 2009. The results of this survey will help the DNR's Forestry Division make recommendations about the future shape and direction of wildland suppression, prevention and training in the state. A comprehensive wildland fire program assessment is currently underway and the opinions of our closest partners, Wisconsin local fire departments, carry significant weight in this effort. If you have any questions about the survey, please feel free to contact Chris Klahn, Fire Management Specialist, (608) 297-2214.Fire Department Wildland Training for Cooperative AreasWisconsin DNR - Division of Forestry now has instructors available to teach wildland fire training to fire departments in cooperative fire protection areas of Wisconsin.
LeMay Forestry CenterFire departments can purchase equipment from the DNR's LeMay Forestry Center. The catalog lists items available and prices (prices subject to change). Please note: We only sell equipment to Wisconsin government agencies and cooperating fire departments in Wisconsin! Wisconsin Fire Departments (FD's) who have a signed suppression agreement with the DNR may order equipment and personal protective clothing through the LeMay Forestry Center Stockroom in Tomahawk. A signed authorization from the DNR Area Forestry Leader is necessary before a FD may place an order directly with the Tomahawk Stockroom. The LeMay Center will not do any special purchasing for the Fire Departments but the FD's may order any items normally stocked by the LeMay Center. These items can be picked up or shipped via UPS. However, UPS will not deliver to post office boxes and there will be an extra charge for shipping to residential addresses. Direct your order to: Dry Fire HydrantsAre you planning to install a dry fire hydrant? All personnel involved are encouraged to read the installation tips in this booklet before beginning fieldwork on the project. It describes a dry fire hydrant system designed to be used with fire department engines and/or high volume pumps, not small portable pumps. And remember that permits may be required to place dry hydrants on the bed of any navigable waterway. To learn more about what is needed in order to apply for a dry hydrant, visit DNR’s website. Firewise"Firewise in Five Minutes" [PDF, 6.9MB] is a reference guide for firefighters designed to help them reduce the threat of wildfires in the wildland/urban interface. It provides many guidelines, definitions and helpful hints that will aid firefighters in communicating to their communities the importance of being knowledgeable and prepared for wildfire. The USDA Forest Service, National Association of State Foresters, and National Volunteer Fire Council partnered in producing this guide. GrantsForest Fire Protection Grant (FFP)State funds are available to increase forest fire protection and suppression capabilities through cooperative efforts with local fire departments and county fire associations as per s. 917, 1997 Wisconsin Act 27, Stats. Fire departments that have executed a forest fire suppression agreement acceptable to the Department are eligible to apply. Factors considered include: 1) The fire departments serve in a DNR organized fire protection area; 2) Fire departments respond to wild fires within their jurisdiction at no cost to the DNR; 3) Fire departments with a majority of members meeting NFPA 1051 standards for fire fighting training and ; 4) Whether or not the fire department was awarded a FFP grant in the last funding cycle. Fire departments that have executed a forest fire suppression agreement acceptable to the Department are eligible to apply. County fire associations with a majority of the member FD's having a forest fire suppression agreement with the department are also eligible to apply. There is a 50% local match required. Eligible fire departments can receive a maximum grant award of $10,000. Eligible county fire associations can receive a maximum grant award of $25,000. Wildland fire equipment is eligible in the following categories listed in priority order:
A complete listing of eligible items can be found on the application web site.
For more information, contact Eileen Trainor. Class A Foams FFP grant application packet View the Forest Fire Protection Grant Recipients [PDF, 1MB] -- grants awarded for 01/01/2007 through 12/01/2007 Additional grants are available from the federal government. http://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants/ [exit DNR] Aid To Firefighters Grant Program (AFG)- 2009Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grants Program Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security.2009 Funding Levels
Application Narrative Parts
Application Period - April 15, 2009 to May 20, 2009 For more information:
Last Revised: Monday November 30 2009
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