New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the state’s Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program will now cover the Basic Wildland Fire Suppression course for volunteer responders.
According to the Press Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, the reimbursement will offset the cost of wildland firefighter training, which is delivered jointly by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
The course includes training on wildfire behavior, weather conditions, and suppression tactics. Each participant will be reimbursed $250 per course through the stipend initiative.
The Governor’s office reported that over the last two years, 268 wildfires burned approximately 7,900 acres across the state. These figures exclude the Jennings Creek fire, which destroyed more than 5,000 acres over 14 days.
That fire response required support from 427 fire companies, mostly staffed by volunteer firefighters, with more than 1,300 personnel deployed.
Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, said: “Now more than ever it is crucial to make training as accessible and affordable as possible for those who work to keep us safe.
“Last year’s Jennings Creek fire was a firsthand example of why it is so important that structural firefighters be trained to handle wildland fires, too.
“We thank the men and women who comprise New York’s volunteer fire service and encourage them to take advantage of these training opportunities.”
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will lead the training delivery, supported by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
DEC Forest Rangers have wildfire response experience across New York and have been deployed nationally and internationally. Each year they conduct multiple wildland fire training sessions.
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the DEC, said: “DEC Forest Rangers are New York’s wildland firefighting experts, serving as both Incident Commanders and boots on the ground during responses to wildfires across New York State, as well as deploying to other states and nations when called and providing training and guidance to local firefighters.
“By sharing their expert knowledge with firefighters in communities statewide, New York State is working to ensure local fire departments are trained in wildland firefighting and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
“I join with our partners at DHSES and State Fire, and our local partners statewide, to thank Governor Hochul for making this funding a priority.”
Training stipend part of broader state volunteer support program
The Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program was established in the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget to address recruitment and retention challenges in volunteer fire departments.
The Governor’s office stated that more than 1,400 firefighters have completed training since the program began in August 2023.
It reported that nearly half of New York’s population, around nine million residents, are protected by volunteer firefighters. However, more than 75 percent of volunteer fire departments have experienced a decline in recruitment.
The Governor’s office added that call volumes increased 29 percent between 1997 and 2020. Departments now respond to a wider range of incidents, including vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and weather-related events.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced an expansion of New York’s Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program.
The announcement was made by the Press Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on June 3.
The program will now reimburse volunteers for taking the Basic Wildland Fire Suppression course.
The course is delivered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Each student will receive $250 upon completion.
Since August 2023, over 1,400 firefighters have completed training under the stipend scheme.
In the past two years, New York recorded 268 wildfires burning 7,900 acres.
The Jennings Creek fire burned 5,000 acres and required 1,300 volunteers from 427 fire companies.
DEC Forest Rangers will lead the training, sharing expertise developed during wildfire responses statewide and beyond.
The program aims to address reduced volunteer numbers and increasing call volumes in New York’s fire departments.
