Purpose

This section contains information and some of the procedures we believe will be helpful when organizing a fire department in Arkansas. Also included are sources of assistance available from other agencies and organizations in the State.

Each month, many communities and new fire departments request assistance from the Arkansas Forestry Commission and other agencies, in organizing, equipping and funding their department or community. Without fire protection in rural areas, many Arkansans' homes, jobs, businesses, farms, and timberland are at risk.

Since 1979 when the Rural Fire Protection Program of the Arkansas Forestry Commission was established, the number of departments has increased from 300 to over 1000. The Arkansas Forestry Commission has more than 1,800 Federal Excess vehicles on loan to fire departments across the State. Last year, over 9 million dollars worth of Federal Excess Property was made available to Arkansas fire departments through the Rural Fire program. The AFC also loaned more than $600,000, interest free, for the purchase of fire equipment through the revolving loan program.

Introduction

Recognizing the need for fire protection throughout the rural areas of the State of Arkansas, the 72nd General Assembly acted on and passed Act #36 of 1979, establishing within the Arkansas State Forestry Commission, a Rural Fire Protection Division.

The purpose of this division was to establish a program to encourage and assist in the establishment, development, and the operation of fire protection districts and associations in rural areas which had little or no fire protection available.

In addition to the Arkansas Forestry Commission state organizations such as the Arkansas Dept. of Emergency Management (ADEM), Arkansas Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Cooperative Extension Service, Department of Rural Services, State Fire Marshal, State of Arkansas Federal Surplus Property, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Fire Training Academy, and Community Facilities Program provide sources of support and assistance to help communities establish basic fire protection services.

This program requires certain criteria, such as rules,  necessary documentation (required by law), and regulations for the administration of a successful program.

This information is designed to help meet this criteria. The outlines and samples are designed to assist communities in obtaining the necessary documentation to meet these requirements.