NVFC and Ricochet open PPE award applications for volunteer fire departments

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Ricochet have opened the September application period for the Ricochet PPE Award Program, offering eligible volunteer fire departments the chance to secure new wildland firefighting personal protective equipment.

Five departments will each receive five sets of Ricochet Wildland Gear, including jackets and pants designed for wildland response. Applications are open from September 1 until noon ET on September 30.

Eligibility requirements

• Annually respond to wildfires, including grassfires and brushfires
• Have at least one active NVFC member
• Be more than 50% volunteer, with paid on-call members considered volunteer
• Serve a population of 25,000 or less
• Be located in the United States and legally organized under state law
• Demonstrate a need for the gear

To qualify, departments must meet all listed program requirements, including wildfire response activity, NVFC membership, volunteer status, service population, U.S. location, legal organization, and demonstrated need.

Gear designed for wildland response

Ricochet Wildland Gear is UL Certified to NFPA 1950 (NFPA 1977) – 2025 Edition. The lightweight, breathable system was developed using firefighter feedback and is designed to reduce heat stress, improve mobility, and limit unnecessary exposure during wildland and wildland-urban interface operations.

Departments can learn more and submit an application at www.nvfc.org/ricochet.

The September round is the second of three application periods in the 2026 program. The August period focused on Ricochet Out Front™ Technical Rescue Gear, while the October round will cover Ricochet Wildland + Technical Rescue Dual-Cert Gear. Departments may apply for more than one gear category, and receiving one award does not make them ineligible for another.