Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program

In rural regions where municipal water infrastructure is limited or absent, dry hydrants serve as an essential tool for supporting local firefighting capabilities. These systems, composed of non-pressurized pipes that draw water from nearby natural sources such as ponds or streams, enable fire departments to access water in areas without traditional hydrant networks. By allowing water to be drafted directly from a local body of water, dry hydrants provide a cost-effective, practical, and low-maintenance solution to bolster firefighting response in remote locations. The Virginia Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program exists to fund the installation and repair of these critical dry hydrant systems throughout the state of Virginia. Jointly administered by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), the program is intended to enhance fire suppression infrastructure across the Commonwealth by facilitating the deployment of dry hydrants in rural and underserved areas. Under the program, 100% of the costs associated with the installation or repair of dry hydrants are covered for eligible fire departments. This funding ensures that the financial burden does not fall on local departments or landowners, provided that landowner approval is secured for any installations on private property. The initiative reflects a long-term commitment by state agencies to increase the availability of emergency water access points and strengthen fire response readiness in vulnerable communities. Participation in the program is limited to Virginia fire departments. To apply, eligible applicants must identify suitable locations for dry hydrant installation and submit Form 4.30, the official Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program Application, to the DOF Fire and Emergency Response Branch. This form captures the details necessary to assess the site and proposed installation, ensuring that it meets the criteria set forth by the administering agencies. The application deadline for this program is March 31 each year. Because the program operates on an annual cycle, interested fire departments are encouraged to begin identifying locations and coordinating with local landowners well in advance of the submission deadline. While the program does not include a pre-application phase, successful applicants will be notified of funding decisions following review by the DOF. Support for the Dry Hydrant Grant Program is part of a broader portfolio of financial assistance offerings provided by the DOF and its partners to improve wildfire preparedness, fire suppression capabilities, and forest management practices across Virginia. The initiative underscores the state’s dedication to ensuring that all communities, regardless of infrastructure limitations, have access to critical firefighting resources.