Kansas Forest Service Connects Fire Departments with Surplus Equipment Options

Affordability and availability are key considerations for fire departments when updating or replacing vehicles. Kansas fire departments have access to some unique, cost-effective options through the Kansas Forest Service.

An example surplus HMMWV modified with fire-suppression capabilities and awaiting painting. (Courtesy Photo)

The Kansas Forest Service administers the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Property (FFP) programs on behalf of the USDA Forest Service. Sebastian Wendel, Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Specialist, works with local departments to identify equipment needs and connect them with available resources.

Through the FEPP program, local fire departments can acquire a surplus vehicle for firefighting use. Because the vehicles remain Federal property, departments do not receive a vehicle title. Through the FFP program, departments can, with some exceptions, gain ownership of a surplus truck and modify it for fire suppression purposes. Available vehicles typically include 2.5- to 10-ton trucks and HMMWVs, at a cost of approximately $750, plus transportation. Departments are required to paint the vehicle to remove its military appearance.

“The big issue for small, rural fire departments is they don’t have the tax base to afford a lot of equipment for firefighting,” said Wendel. “At today’s costs, for a structural apparatus, departments are looking at close to $1 million and around $200,000 for a brush truck. I’m constantly looking for more ways to help departments have operational vehicles that they can equip for adequate fire suppression.”

The Kansas Forest Service also administers an Equipment Donation Program that helps direct surplus equipment to departments in need. Additionally, staff can assist departments with applications for the Slip-on Tanker Unit Grant. A program of the Department of the Interior, it provides funding to local governments with populations of 50,000 or fewer to purchase slip-on tanker units that support wildland firefighting operations.

Learn more about Kansas Forest Service assistance programs or contact Wendel to discuss needs and available options.

This article appeared in the Summer 2026 NCRPC Newsletter.