The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program is providing essential support to rural volunteer fire companies across Charles County for wildland fire response. Grant funds will be used for equipment, training, and facility improvements, including protective gear, brush trucks, pumps, hoses, chainsaws, and vegetation management tools.

Charles County, with its wooded areas, farmland, and waterfront communities, faces significant wildland fire risks due to dry conditions, lightning, and human activity. These grants help ensure volunteer departments remain prepared to protect their communities without adding new local taxes.

Five Charles County volunteer fire departments have received funding through the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program to support wildland fire response equipment and readiness.

Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad was awarded $750 toward a $1,500 project

Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department received $3,500 toward an $8,055 project

Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Inc. was granted $570 toward a $1,140 project

La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. received $3,500 toward a $7,650 project

Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $3,500 toward a $34,403 project.

These grants enable rural volunteer departments to purchase vital equipment and improve wildland fire preparedness by leveraging federal funds with local matching resources, while requiring no new local taxes.