E. Annual Volunteer Fire Assistance Report

Each year, this report is due in the Washington Office by December 15.

The Regions and NA annually submit a report that itemizes the VFA Program dollar distribution to the States. This report is completed for each State. The report shows the total dollars expended on administrative costs, equipment costs, training costs, organizational costs, number of applications for assistance received and approved, and the dollar values of the program. Figure 1 is a form for reporting accomplishments to the WO. Figure 2 is an example of a completed form. These data are obtained from the States following the close of the Federal fiscal year.

While the WO report is sufficiently detailed for the purposes of the Washington Office, the Regions, NA, and IITF may feel the need to further break down some information categories (equipment, qualifying fire departments, etc.). See Figure 3 for a format that may be used for this purpose. This format may be stored in the computer and modified each year to request specific information in addition to the items needed for the annual report to the Washington Office.

It is important to document VFA success stories in order to inform the public of the value of this program. Information should include how States have used these funds to improve fire suppression capabilities, water supplies, or fire prevention. States are encouraged to submit news clippings with their annual VFA Report concerning such activities. Copies of press releases issued by the State forester are also useful. Examples of cases where use of VFA funding has improved insurance rates are excellent. States are also encouraged to form State fire advisory councils to advise the State forester concerning means to improve the effectiveness of the VFA Program.

Measures, which can be used to improve public support for the VFA Program, are contained in Appendix K of this guide. An example of a news release is contained in Appendix L.

Figure 1...