The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has reported that Anheuser-Busch, in partnership with its wholesaler network, has donated 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across 45 U.S. states.
The donation is part of the brewer’s annual support initiative, which began in 2019, and is intended to provide hydration for volunteer firefighters during the summer wildfire season.
According to the NVFC, 65 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers, many of whom face limited budgets and resources.
The cans of water are produced at Anheuser-Busch breweries and distributed to departments to help offset operational costs by reducing the need to purchase bottled water or other hydration supplies.
Anheuser-Busch confirmed that the 1.5 million cans will be delivered to more than 630 volunteer fire departments nationwide.
Anheuser-Busch has stated that it has provided more than 100 million cans of clean drinking water for disaster response since 1988, in partnership with the American Red Cross.
The NVFC noted that since the beginning of the collaboration in 2019, over 10 million cans have been delivered to more than 3,100 departments.
According to Anheuser-Busch, the water is canned at its facilities in Cartersville, Georgia, and Fort Collins, Colorado, where beer production is periodically paused to support disaster relief.
The company added that this program is part of a broader initiative to support disaster preparedness and relief across the United States.
The NVFC has explained that the emergency water program aims to equip departments before major incidents occur, rather than responding only after emergencies begin.
Sarah Lee, chief executive officer of the NVFC, said: “Anheuser-Busch’s continued commitment to supporting volunteer firefighters through emergency drinking water donations has made a meaningful impact.”
She added:
“Since our partnership began in 2019, over 10 million cans have gone directly to departments across the country.”
“These donations not only help keep responders safe and hydrated during wildfires and long incidents but also provide vital cost savings that allow departments to allocate their limited budgets to other critical needs.”
The NVFC noted that many volunteer departments lack the financial flexibility to prioritise hydration supplies, particularly during high-risk summer months.
The organisation stated that this initiative offers practical support that directly impacts day-to-day readiness and operational response.
Cesar Vargas, chief external affairs officer at Anheuser-Busch, said: “Our continued partnership with the NVFC and volunteer firefighters across the country embodies the rich heritage of Anheuser-Busch and our commitment and long-standing track record of supporting our communities when they need us most – because that’s who we are.”
He added:
“Along with our wholesaler partners, Anheuser-Busch is honored to leverage our production, packaging, and logistics capabilities to assist the firefighters who lead with courage to protect us every time they’re called upon.”
The company emphasized that its role in supporting local emergency responders reflects a longstanding approach to corporate emergency relief.
According to Anheuser-Busch, the milestone of 100 million cans produced last month reflects the scale of its contribution since the program began.
The NVFC confirmed that the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program remains open to departments across the country.
The NVFC stated that this year’s distribution will reach departments in 45 states.
Anheuser-Busch noted that delivery coordination is managed with the support of its wholesaler partners, ensuring that the water reaches areas most likely to be impacted by high wildfire activity.
The organisation added that departments are selected based on application and need.
According to the NVFC, the program is part of its broader effort to increase preparedness among rural and volunteer departments facing increasing wildfire threats.
More information is available via the program’s official webpage at www.nvfc.org/water.
Anheuser-Busch has donated 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments.
The National Volunteer Fire Council reported that the donation will reach over 630 departments.
The water is produced at breweries in Georgia and Colorado.
This marks the seventh consecutive year of the program.
More than 10 million cans have been delivered since 2019.
Anheuser-Busch began producing emergency water for disaster relief in 1988.
Cans are distributed ahead of the wildfire season.
Departments across 45 states are included in the distribution.
The NVFC said the program helps reduce department expenses.
Sarah Lee is chief executive officer of the NVFC.
Cesar Vargas is chief external affairs officer at Anheuser-Busch.
The program is supported by the company’s wholesaler partners.
Further information is available at www.nvfc.org/water.
