A volunteer fire department serving rural Ada County received a $180,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters grant that will fund the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras, and rescue equipment — upgrades that fire officials say will significantly improve the department’s ability to protect lives and property in the communities it serves.
The grant, awarded through FEMA’s competitive national program, was one of approximately 2,400 grants distributed to fire departments across the country in the 2026 funding cycle. The department’s application highlighted the age and condition of its existing equipment, much of which exceeds the National Fire Protection Association’s recommended service life of 10-15 years.
What the Grant Funds
The $180,000 will purchase 12 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units to replace aging equipment that no longer meets current safety standards, two thermal imaging cameras that allow firefighters to see through smoke and darkness to locate victims and identify hidden fire extension, a set of hydraulic rescue tools (commonly known as “Jaws of Life”) for vehicle extrication, and portable lighting equipment for nighttime emergency scenes.
The fire chief described the SCBA replacement as the most critical need. “Our firefighters cannot safely enter a burning building without functioning breathing equipment,” the chief said. “Some of our existing units are 18 years old and have been repaired multiple times. They still work, but they’re past the point where we can guarantee reliability in a life-or-death situation. This grant fixes that.”
The Role of Volunteer Fire Departments in Ada County
Volunteer fire departments provide the primary fire suppression and emergency response capability for the majority of Ada County’s geographic area outside incorporated cities. The department serves approximately 3,500 residents across a 120-square-mile response area, operating from two station locations with approximately 25 active volunteer firefighters.
Volunteer departments face unique challenges including recruitment and retention of volunteers, limited budgets that depend on property tax levies and fundraising, and the increasing complexity of emergency response that requires ongoing training and modern equipment. The FEMA grant program specifically targets departments that serve populations under 50,000 and demonstrate critical equipment needs.
What Comes Next
Equipment procurement will begin immediately, with delivery expected within 60-90 days. The department will conduct training on all new equipment before placing it in service. Residents interested in volunteering with the fire department can attend monthly training meetings or contact the fire chief through the department’s website. Donations to the department are tax-deductible. For Idaho public safety coverage, visit the Idaho News Network.