The Rural Fire Protection Program
The Rural Fire Protection Program was established in 1979 by the Arkansas State Legislature as a part of the Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC). Since that time the number of volunteer fire departments have increased from 300 to more than 1000.
Approximately 95% of Arkansas' fire departments are volunteer and operate with a minimum of personnel, money and equiipment. Communities organize these departments as municipal fire departments, nonprofit organizations, fire protection districts or subordinate service districts.
Before a community becomes eligible for a Federal or State grant or for the procurement of fire fighting equipment or vehicles, they must legally organize a fire department. The AFC has a website to assist you and describing the different ways to organize a rural fire department. The website is available at: www.forestry.state.ar.us/ruralfire/rural_overview.html There is also a booklet available.