The New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office has distributed over $22 million in grants to 69 fire departments throughout the state. The funding aims to enhance emergency response capabilities, support firefighter safety, and address recruitment and retention challenges, particularly in rural areas.
The grants will be used for a variety of purposes, including purchasing new fire engines, upgrading radios and water systems, improving stations, and providing personal protective equipment. In addition, stipends funded by the grants are intended to help volunteer fire departments attract and keep firefighters.
“These grants go directly to the front lines,” said State Fire Marshal Randy Varela. “Investing in local departments, especially those with limited resources, can enhance firefighter safety, provide better fire protection services to New Mexicans, and improve their Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings.”
Funding for these grants is sourced from the state’s Fire Protection Fund. This fund collects a 3% premium from insurance policies within New Mexico and reinvests it into local fire departments each year. The objective is to equip communities with necessary tools, training, and facilities to protect lives and property. Improvements supported by these investments can also lead to better ISO ratings for fire departments—a factor that may result in lower insurance rates for residents.
A panel known as the Fire Grant Council—composed of experienced firefighters from around New Mexico—reviews applications annually. They assess community needs to ensure grant distribution is fair and strategic.
The complete list of recipients for the FY26 Fire Protection Grant awards can be found on the department's website.
