Rural Fire Defense Division
SODA Rural Fire Defense Program
Comprehensive Support for Rural Fire Departments in Southern Oklahoma
SODA Rural Fire Defense provides technical assistance, equipment distribution, grant support, and fire protection improvements to rural fire departments across a ten-county service area in south-central Oklahoma.
The SODA region has 125 fire districts. Click here to link to a map of all the SODA Region Fire Districts with ISO ratings.
Key Responsibilities & Annual Tasks for Fire Departments
January
Report previous year Fire Department runs to the State Fire Marshall’s office by January 15th.
April
Submit your Fire Department certification renewal to the SODA Rural Fire Coordinator by April 15th.
June
Close out the 80/20 Grant by June 15th.
July
Submit Operational grant expenditure reports by July 31.
August
Complete Risk Management Insurance documentation by August 31.
Reminders
June 30 is the deadline to apply for 80/20 Grants.
Operational grant funds are often direct deposited to fire departments through the Oklahoma Forestry Services Division.
What Is the SODA Rural Fire Defense Division?
The SODA Rural Fire Defense Division is a dedicated program that:
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Supports both new and established rural fire departments within the service area (Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Coal, Garvin, Johnston, Love, Marshall, Murray and Pontotoc counties).
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Delivers technical guidance on fire protection standards and best practices.
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Advises departments on Insurance Service Office (ISO/CRS) requirements to help lower community fire insurance rates.
- Assists in the development of new fire departments in underserved areas.
The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office also provides code enforcement, permitting assistance, and inspection guidance as part of the program support network.
Fire Equipment Support & Distribution
SODA Rural Fire Defense helps rural fire departments by:
- Managing the transfer of surplus trucks and federal equipment from the Department of Defense to local departments.
- Coordinating logistics and delivery of equipment into Oklahoma through Oklahoma Forestry Services.
- Allowing departments to convert surplus vehicles into firefighting apparatus and receive full ownership titles.
Grant Assistance for Rural Fire Departments
Operational Grants
Annual funding provided by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Can be used for most operational expenses.
No local match is required.
80/20 Grants
Legislative funding that helps departments purchase equipment or build fire stations.
Requires a 20 percent local match from the fire department.
SODA Rural Fire Defense provides application assistance, consulting, and follow-up support for departments seeking grants, loans, or donations.
Why the SODA Fire Defense Program Matters
The program strengthens rural fire response across a large geographic region by:
Enhancing firefighting resources and readiness.
Improving departmental compliance with state safety codes.
Supporting funding opportunities to build facilities and acquire equipment.
Together with partner agencies, SODA Rural Fire Defense plays a crucial role in safeguarding rural Oklahoma communities against wildfire, structural fire, and other emergencies.
Contact
For support, resources, or assistance with grants, contact:
Phil Powell
Rural Fire Defense Director
Phone: (580) 920-1388
Email: ppowell@soda-ok.org
Address: 2704 N. First Street, Durant, OK 74701