Supporting First Responders: Governor Hochul Announces Funding for Wildland Firefighter Training

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program is being expanded to reimburse costs related to Basic Wildland Fire Suppression for firefighters involved in fighting wildfires. The course, a joint effort of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Service’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Department of Environmental Conservation, covers wildland firefighting responsibilities, fire behavior, weather and other factors related to wildland firefighting.

“Volunteer firefighters make immense sacrifices for their communities, and as Governor, I am committed to supporting and honoring their service and dedication,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding this program to cover wildland firefighting training, we are breaking down further barriers for prospective recruits and ensuring they have the crucial skills and training they need to keep their communities safe.”

Over the last two years, New York experienced 268 wildfires that burned nearly 7,900 acres of land, averaging less than 11 acres in size. This number does not include the Jennings Creek wildfire last year, which burned more than 5,000 acres over a span of 14 days. To contain the Jennings Creek fire, 427 fire companies, which were nearly all volunteers, sent more than 1,300 firefighters to assist.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Now more than ever it is crucial to make training as accessible and affordable as possible for those who work to keep us safe. Last year’s Jennings Creek fire was a firsthand example of why it is so important that structural firefighters be trained to handle wildland fires, too. We thank the men and women who comprise New York’s volunteer fire service and encourage them to take advantage of these training opportunities.”

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC Forest Rangers are New York’s wildland firefighting experts, serving as both Incident Commanders and boots on the ground during responses to wildfires across New York State, as well as deploying to other states and nations when called and providing training and guidance to local firefighters. By sharing their expert knowledge with firefighters in communities statewide, New York State is working to ensure local fire departments are trained in wildland firefighting and ready to respond at a moment’s notice. I join with our partners at DHSES and State Fire, and our local partners statewide, to thank Governor Hochul for making this funding a priority.”

Established in the State’s FY24 Enacted Budget, the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program, administered by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, seeks to strengthen the volunteer fire service by offsetting the costs of required trainings, making it easier for new recruits to join volunteer fire departments and help protect their communities. Training covered by the stipend program will reimburse $250 per student and will be led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with assistance from OFPC staff. DEC Forest Rangers are expert wildland firefighters who hold dozens of trainings in wildland fire management each year to assist with building local capacity among other responders. Fire departments should contact their County Fire Coordinator to schedule a course at the local level.

Since Aug. 31, 2023, more than 1,400 firefighters have successfully completed training through the stipend program.

Additional information on the stipend program, including how to apply, can be found on the DHSES website.

Approximately nine million New Yorkers, nearly half of the state’s population, are served by volunteer firefighters. Yet in recent years, more than 75 percent of these departments have reported a decrease in the number of individuals willing to volunteer and serve. This is further compounded by the increased operational responsibilities beyond fire protection to include vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and weather-related rescue operations. At the same time, calls for service have increased 29 percent from 1997 to 2020.

In addition to the training funding announced today, DEC administers the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program to help support fire departments in rural communities. Eligible fire departments can receive matching grants for the purchase of wildland firefighting suppression equipment such as portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, firefighting hand tools, fire hose, approved lightweight fire-resistant clothing, hard hats, turnout gear, personal protective equipment, portable radios, portable generators, chainsaws, and dry hydrant installation. More than $800,000 was made available to New York State through the U.S. Forest Service in the 2024 federal fiscal year.