The Fire Services Division, through the Department of Justice and Public Safety has advised municipalities and local service districts (LSD) that applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 Fire Protection Vehicle and Equipment Funding Programs.
Applications for 2025-26 funding programs will be accepted until Monday March 31, 2025. This annual Funding Program requires municipalities and LSDs to apply yearly, so previously submitted applications will not be accepted.
The Fire Protection Vehicle and Equipment Funding Programs provide funding flexibility for municipalities and LSDs to purchase vehicles and equipment through cost-shared funding criteria.
For new vehicles, the cost-shared ratios are based on community population:
For used vehicles, the cost-shared ratio is 90/10, up to a maximum provincial contribution of $100,000.
A maximum fixed cost-shared contribution of $100,000 is available to those municipalities or LSDs that do not require additional provincial assistance to acquire a new vehicle. Vehicles eligible under this fixed cost-shared contribution include pumpers, pumper rescues, aerials, tankers or rescue vehicles.
The cost-shared ratio for equipment is based upon unit pricing quotes obtained by the requesting municipality or LSD. The Fire Services Division evaluates applications and recommends the type and quantity of the most suitable equipment to meet the requested fire protection needs.
Eligible equipment includes portable pumps, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), cylinders, hoses, nozzles, personal protective equipment such as bunker clothing, rubber boots, gloves, helmets, and hoods, extrication tools, communication equipment, thermal imaging cameras, air compressors/purification systems, fill/fragmentation systems, cascade systems and ladders.
There are 280 volunteer fire departments across Newfoundland and Labrador, served by approximately 6,000 volunteer fire fighters.
The Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Honorable Bernard Davis discused the Funding Programs: “Support for fire services is a priority of our government.
“We doubled the budget for fire protection vehicles and equipment, and I encourage municipalities and local service districts to apply for this critical funding by March 31 to better help serve and protect their residents.”
The Fire Services Division has announced that applications for the 2025-26 Fire Protection Vehicle and Equipment Funding Programs has opened.
These Funding Programs offer funding flexibility for municipalities and LSDs to purchase vehicles and equipment through cost-shared funding.
