Local fire departments are learning the a surplus program aimed at helping fire departments obtain equipment know as the FEPP and FPP programs has been abruptly ended by the federal government. The program was shut down without warning because according to reports, the equipment does not meet federal emissions standards. Local and Rural Fire Departments have benefitted from this program, since 2008 an estimated $150 million in excess equipment such as trucks, pumps, generators and engine parts has been redistributed to fire departments.
According to reports, 83% of all wild land fires have been responded to by state and local fire departments. Many rural departments can not afford to purchase new equipment, therefore they rely on these types of programs.
Many Firefighter Associations such as our local Three Rivers Firefighters Association and the Arkansas State Firefighters Association are currently rallying for reinstatement of these programs.