title
Accept a CAL FIRE Volunteer Fire Capacity grant award in the amount of $20,000; Adopt a resolution approving the CAL FIRE Grant Agreement; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request totaling $40,000 in revenues and expenditures; and Authorize the Interim Fire Chief to execute all documents necessary to implement the grant and purchase of equipment up to $40,000 (4/5 vote required)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District recommends the Board of Directors:
1) Accept a CAL FIRE Volunteer Fire Capacity grant award in the amount of $20,000;
2) Adopt a resolution approving the CAL FIRE Grant Agreement;
3) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) totaling $40,000 in revenues and expenditures; and
4) Authorize the Interim Fire Chief to execute all documents necessary to implement the grant and purchase of equipment up to $40,000 (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY:
The Vacaville Fire Protection District has been awarded funding through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) program. The VFC program provides a 50% cost-share of funding to assist rural fire agencies in improving their capability to equip local firefighting forces with equipment, including wildland personal protective equipment (PPE). The District applied for and was approved to purchase $40,000 ($20,000 CAL FIRE award and $20,000 District match) in PPE to enhance firefighter safety and operational readiness. This funding supports the District’s ongoing efforts to maintain compliant, serviceable PPE for personnel operating in wildland fire environments.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The approved project total of $40,000 includes the CAL FIRE award totaling $20,000 with the $20,000 local match coming from District contingencies, requiring an increase in appropriation. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the District’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The VFC program is authorized under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act and administered in California by CAL FIRE as a pass-through of federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service funds. The CAL FIRE VFC Grant program is designed to strengthen fire protection capabilities in communities served by volunteer and combination fire departments and districts. The program focuses on firefighter safety, wildland fire and all hazard response capability, training, equipment needs and support for volunteer recruitment and retention.
District staff submitted a grant application identifying priority needs aligned with District risk reduction goals and operational requirements. The award will fund the purchase of turnouts (jackets/pants), helmets, backpacks, boots, gloves, goggles and hose. CAL FIRE has notified the District that its application has been approved for funding. This award reflects the District’s continued efforts to pursue outside funding sources and maintain a high level of service while minimizing impacts on local revenue.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve accepting the CAL FIRE Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) award. This is not recommended as the personal protective equipment (PPE) will be 50% reimbursed by Grant revenue and is essential equipment that would otherwise require purchase from District funds.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION