The Rural Fire Defense (RFD) Lease Program assists rural communities by establishing an initial fire protection program for unprotected communities and reinforcing existing fire departments with equipment and training.
GFC has operated a Rural Fire Defense (RFD) Lease Program since 1975. The program enables volunteer fire departments to respond more effectively to structural, forest, and grass fires. It also provides the GFC with a back-up force of equipment and trained people for emergency forest fire situations. RFD fire suppression units include:
- Super Fire Knocker
- Wildland Brush Slip-In Unit
- Mobile Water Supply Tanker
Federal Excess Personal Property
GFC is authorized to acquire Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) from the Federal Government under two authorizations:
Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 – covers fire control on forested and watershed lands
Public Law 94-519 (as amended) – provides assistance in all phases of fire control for communities with populations of less than 10,000
The property continues to be federally owned by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service. It is loaned to GFC to be utilized in its wildland fire suppression activities. Under Public Law 94-519, GFC may loan the property to cooperators to utilize in their fire control activities.
For a rural fire department to obtain FEPP, it must first submit an equipment request and be put on a priority list based on consultation with their local County Ranger. When a piece of equipment becomes available, the fire department must sign an agreement with GFC ensuring the equipment will be maintained and utilized.
Surplus Excess Property
State Property
GFC is required to take all surplus state equipment to one of three warehouses in Georgia.
Internet Inquiries
The State of Georgia is moving forward with internet sales so there will be fewer public auctions at the warehouses. Internet sales are administered from the DOAS website.
Phone Inquiries
Interested buyers may call (770) 414-6468 for information. This is an automated answering system at the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) Surplus and Supply in Atlanta. From this number, one can obtain telephone numbers to the three warehouses, place their names on a mailing list, obtain other information, or speak to someone at DOAS. The numbers for the three warehouses are also available from the DOAS website.
Federal Property
Federal excess equipment is the property of the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, including equipment on loan to GFC. Sales of Federal Excess Property are administered by the Federal General Services Administration (GSA).
Interested bidders for federal equipment can visit GSA Auctions for more information.
Bidders can also call (404) 331-0040 for general information concerning GSA sales.
The GFC, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, and General Services Administration (GSA) do not maintain a bidders list.
Helpful Resources
| Title | Description | Document Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act Of 1978 | ||
| NFP/VFA Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Announcement Letter | ||
| NFP/VFA Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Application | ||
| Public Law 94-519 (as amended) | ||
| Super Fire Knocker | The “Fire Knocker” is a self contained “slip-on” tanker unit. | |
| Wildland Brush Slip-In Unit | ICS Type 6/7 Engine – Tanks are constructed of 3/16” aluminum and are baffled to meet current NFPA specifications |