The Department of the Interior has announced that up to $20 million is now available to help local governments improve their wildfire response capacity. The funding, part of the Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program, is aimed at small and remote emergency response agencies and supports President Donald J. Trump’s focus on wildfire preparedness.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated, “As remote, rural communities continue to grapple with the devastating impacts of intensifying wildfires, President Trump is taking strong action to ensure they have the resources needed to respond swiftly when wildfires ignite. This program provides a commonsense approach to help local departments deploy more rapidly, use existing equipment more efficiently, and respond before fires threaten their communities.”
The announcement comes as the Department takes steps toward establishing the Wildland Fire Service, part of a broader strategy for managing wildland fires. The Slip-on Tanker Pilot Program aims to equip local agencies with tools that enhance their ability to protect lives and property.
Local governments serving populations of 50,000 or less are eligible for this funding if they provide emergency services in areas identified as moderate or high risk for wildfires by the Wildfire Risk to Communities tool. The funds can be used to purchase slip-on tanker units that convert trucks and other vehicles into wildland fire engines. Grants will range from $10,000 to $249,000 per applicant, with applications due by March 23, 2026 through grants.gov.
According to the Department, enhancing local wildfire response aligns with Executive Order 13408 on wildfire prevention and response. In January, $5 million was awarded to 97 emergency response agencies as part of earlier efforts. These initiatives are designed to support first responders and reduce risks posed by increasingly severe wildfires.
