Tennessee Volunteer Fire Departments Receive $20M in Grants

Funds will help departments purchase equipment and meet federal matching requirements.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Nearly a dozen local volunteer fire departments in the Watauga, Tennessee area will receive grants from the state's Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program. The $20 million in total funding will allow the departments to purchase new equipment or meet local matching requirements for federal equipment grants.

Why it matters

Volunteer fire departments often struggle with limited budgets, making it difficult to upgrade aging equipment and gear. This grant program provides critical funding to ensure firefighters have the tools they need to protect their communities safely.

The details

The grant program, which launched in 2020, has now provided $46.5 million to over 400 volunteer fire departments across Tennessee. The funds can be used to purchase new equipment or to help local departments meet the matching requirements for federal equipment grants.

  • The grant program was launched in 2020.
  • The latest round of $20 million in grants was announced on February 12, 2026.

The players

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance

The state agency that oversees the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program.

Carter Lawrence

TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal, who announced the latest round of grant funding.

Governor Bill Lee

The Tennessee governor who has supported the grant program.

Tennessee General Assembly

The state legislature that has appropriated funding for the grant program.

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What they’re saying

“Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly are committed to helping departments receive the funding they need to help keep their firefighters safe, while they protect their communities.”

— Carter Lawrence, TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal (Press Release)

What’s next

The grant funds will be distributed to the local fire departments in the coming weeks, allowing them to purchase new equipment and gear.

The takeaway

This grant program demonstrates the state's commitment to supporting its volunteer fire service and ensuring firefighters have the resources they need to protect their communities effectively.