COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KETK) -- After a meeting conducted on Tuesday by the Texas A&M Forest Service, approximately $164 million in grants was awarded to Texas volunteer fire departments.

The Texas A&M Forest Service conducted the first Funding Meeting for Fiscal Year 2026 where the grants were awarded.

The grants are thanks to the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, which was established by Texas House Bill 2604 in 2001. The program provides grants to rural volunteer fire departments for essential firefighting equipment and training.

The multimillion-dollar grants will benefit a total of 879 fire departments across Texas. Several East Texas fire departments will receive funding, including:

Anderson County • Bethel Cayuga Volunteer Fire Department - $345,000 • Brad

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