(MURFREESBORO)  Middle Tennessee, as well as the entire Volunteer State, have wildfires. As we approach that time of the year, This is the eighth year that State Farm has committed to help communities prepare for, and reduce, their risk of wildfire damage.

There are numerous wildfires in Tennessee. Stop and think about the many times you hear news stories on WGNS about the fire department has stopped granting "burn permits" or that a farm field is on fire and getting close to homes. 

And of course, who could forget the tragic wildfire that spread across the Great Smoky Mountains and through Gatlinburg, Tennessee on November, 2016, killing 14 persons and destroying 2,460 buildings spread over 17,900 acres. 

Officials say the greatest problem in that East Tennessee catastrophe was not being prepared to warn those in harms way. 

Community Fire Grants

For the eighth year in a row, State Farm is sponsoring National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and they are accepting applications now through February 26, 2021. CLICK HERE to apply. 

State Farm's Judy McConkey said, "State Farm will be providing funding for 150 projects in the amount of $500 each to cover expenses related to individual grassroots efforts. Activities can be coordinated by anyone (individuals, a small group, an entire neighborhood or a community-based organization) working to reduce wildfire risk, advance general wildfire preparedness, or minimize post-fire impacts from a recent wildfire. Applications are now open for the grants." 

Apply NOW Through Feb. 26

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm announce the launch of the national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 1, 2021, which helps communities prepare for, and reduce, their risk of wildfire damage.

State Farm is providing funding to NFPA for the Preparedness Day event and a portion will be awarded to 150 neighborhood wildfire risk reduction projects being implemented on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community a safer place to live. Communities, nonprofits, local firefighter groups, and individuals are all encouraged to submit an application with their ideas for reducing the threat of wildfires in their areas.

Project applications can be submitted through February 26, 2021. Apply for an award. Again, you need to apply between today and February 26, 2021. The grants will be awarded on May 1st.  CLICK HERE for more information.