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A firefighter in a tan protective jacket with reflective stripes uses a tablet device in front of charred wood, suggesting a post-incident or field assessment. The gear and setting highlight the integration of technology in emergency response, emphasizing operational efficiency and situational awareness.

Fire Incident Reporting Grant

Funding Vital Equipment for Fire Reporting

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Fire Incident Reporting Grant

The Fire Incident Reporting Grant Program supports local jurisdictions in accurately documenting emergency incidents through the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).

Rugged military-grade laptops on a table, displaying tactical and diagnostic interfaces for use in harsh field environments by military or emergency personnel. Set of rugged first responder laptops NERIS is the standardized national format for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on injuries, fatalities, and property loss resulting from fires and related hazards.

By improving the consistency and quality of incident reporting, this program helps strengthen emergency response efforts, inform public safety strategies and guide resource allocation at the local and national levels.

Key Features:

  • Reporting Hardware
    Funding may be used to purchase or upgrade computers, tablets, or other devices—including necessary peripherals—that are compatible with the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).
  • Reporting Software
    Support is available for acquiring or updating software solutions that facilitate fire incident reporting to NERIS. Examples include platforms like ImageTrend or ESO. Funding is awarded annually and requires reapplication for each grant cycle.
  • Internet Connectivity
    Grants may cover initial costs to establish internet access in facilities or vehicles, specifically for the purpose of reporting fire incidents to NERIS. This funding is limited to one-time setup expenses and must be reapplied for annually.
  • Other Projects
    Additional initiatives aimed at enhancing fire incident reporting may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Virginia Fire Services Board. Applicants must provide appropriate supporting documentation.

How to Apply

All applicants must submit a fully completed application, signed by an authorized person, within the Grant Application Period. 
  • Upon receipt, the Agency will review the application for completeness, eligibility, and accuracy of the requested amount. Only applications received by the deadline will be considered.
  • Eligible localities can apply for the Fire Incident Reporting Grant by downloading and completing the form below. Before applying, it is recommended you review the Fire Incident Reporting Grant Policy first. 

Review Fire Incident Reporting Grant Policy

Download Fire Incident Reporting Grant Application

Grant applications will open on May 1, 2026, and should be sent directly to the address below. Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 31, 2026. 

Grants Unit 
Virginia Department of Fire Programs Administration 
1005 Technology Park Drive Glen Allen, VA  23059-4500 

FAQs for Fire Incident Reporting Grant

  • The review of funding requests shall be based on the following criteria:  

    • Number departments involved  
    • Availability of matching funds (optional)  
    • Previous grants  
    • Proper application  
    • Timeliness of application  
    • Impact if grant not awarded  
    • Number of departments affected  
    • Demonstrated need 

    Individual grant award amounts shall be decided by the Virginia Fire Services Board based 
    upon the evaluation and recommendations of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in 
    accordance with the criteria above.  VDFP will evaluate applications based upon the substance of the application and supporting documentation relative to the objectives of the 
    grant program.

    The Virginia Department of Fire Programs shall reserve the right to verify any or all information recorded on the application. The Administration, Policy and Finance Committee will be supplied with individual applications with the VDFP recommendations to review for acceptance.   

  • The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) will distribute funds to awarded localities based on the amount requested in the grantee’s application. Approved funding may be used for the following purposes:
    • Reporting Hardware Purchase or upgrade of computers, tablets, or related peripherals that are compatible with the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).
    • Reporting Software Acquisition or enhancement of software systems that support fire incident reporting to NERIS, such as ImageTrend or ESO. Funding is awarded annually and requires reapplication each grant cycle.
    • Internet Connectivity Initial setup or upgrade of internet access in facilities or vehicles, strictly for the purpose of fire incident reporting to NERIS. This funding is limited to first-time connectivity costs and must be reapplied for annually.
    • Other Projects Additional initiatives that enhance fire reporting may be considered by the Virginia Fire Services Board on a case-by-case basis, with appropriate supporting documentation.

    Each department is generally eligible for up to $10,000 in funding, subject to a jurisdiction-wide cap as determined by the Virginia Fire Services Board. Any such cap will be applied consistently to all recipients within the same fiscal year.

    Note: All purchases must occur after the official award date. Items acquired prior to the award are not eligible for reimbursement under this grant.

  • Award recipients must begin reporting incidents within six months of receiving the grant and maintain ongoing reporting thereafter.

  • Available each fiscal year, the application period is from July 1 – August 31.

Contact Us

For any questions about the Fire Incident Reporting Grant, please submit a Contact Us Inquiry or send an email to grants@vdfp.virginia.gov.