FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
RI Agricultural Energy Program As part of its continued efforts to grow Rhode Island's green economy, DEM has partnered with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to administer the RI Agricultural Energy Grant Program that provides grant awards of up to $20,000 for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at RI Farms. This funding helps local farmers "green" their operations and benefit from the related energy and cost savings through energy efficiency projects and by transitioning to renewable power. Funding for this program is made possible through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Current Grant Round Information Applications for the Fall 2024 round are due by 5:00 PM on November 1, 2024. Latest Grant Round Information For more information, contact the Division of Agriculture at (401) 222-2781 or Abigail Hasenfus at (401) 574-9117 ext. 3 or abigail.hasenfus@energy.ri.gov Additional Resources Farm Energy Resource Guide (RI Office of Energy Resources) OER's List of State and Federal Energy Incentives (RI Office of Energy Resources) Rural Energy for America Program (USDA REAP Website - Federal Farm Energy Grant). Past Awardees