In cooperation with the USDA, Forest Service, Oklahoma Forestry Services acquires and provides federal property to the state's fire departments for use in suppressing wildfires. Much of this property was originally purchased by the Department of Defense (DOD). Such property can be a viable alternative to purchasing new equipment, especially for communities with little or no tax base. Federal property can be acquired under one of two distinct U.S. Forest Service programs.
FEDERAL EXCESS PERSONAL PROPERTY PROGRAM (FEPP)
Since 1959, Oklahoma Forestry Services has been acquiring and placing FEPP with Fire Departments in Oklahoma. Over the past 30 years, through its Rural Fire Defense Program, Oklahoma has placed more federal excess property with cooperating fire departments than any state in the country. Rural fire coordinators have used FEPP as a foundation to more than double the number of volunteer fire departments in our state over this time period. This increase in the number of fire 
departments, and the improvements made within them, have resulted in millions of dollars saved annually by our state's insurance rate payers -- not to mention the values saved by improved fire suppression capabilities. Any Oklahoma community, organized fire district, or fire department with an assigned or assumed fire suppression responsibility is eligible to receive federal excess property by agreeing to the terms of a Cooperative Fire Equipment Loan Agreement between the fire department and Oklahoma Forestry Services.
FIREFIGHTER PROPERTY PROGRAM (FPP)
Beginning in 2007, Oklahoma Forestry Services began acquiring excess DOD property through the new Firefighter Property Program (FPP). The basic requirements to receive this property are the same as FEPP. However, once the equipment is placed in an operable state of service, Oklahoma Forestry Services may pass title to the property to the cooperating Fire Department. Upon receiving title, the Fire Department assumes ownership and must tag the vehicle just as if it were purchased. Unlike property acquired under FEPP, Federal Firefighter Program property may be sold by the fire department once it is no longer needed. It is imperative that fire departments distinquish FEPP from FPP property to avoid issues involving the property's ownership and final disposition. Property management requirements for FPP are outlined in a formal contract between the cooperating Fire Department and Oklahoma Forestry Services.
More information on the program can be found on the USDA Forest Service Federal Excess Property Program website.