Applications Open for NVFC's 2026 Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program

The 2026 Anheuser-Busch Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program, which offers vital hydration support to volunteer fire departments getting ready for lengthy disaster operations and wildfire response, is currently accepting applications. In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners will provide 1.5 million emergency drinking water cans to qualified volunteer fire stations nationwide.

In the United States, fire departments that respond to wildfires, particularly uncontrolled burning in woods, prairies, grasslands, brushlands, or lands seeded to crops, and that serve a population of 25,000 or less are urged to apply. To help keep responders hydrated during wildfire events and other emergency responses, one pallet of emergency drinking water (2,352 cans) will be given to selected agencies.

Firefighter performance, health, and safety all depend on adequate hydration, especially during protracted events in harsh environments. Nearly 12 million emergency drinking water cans have been sent to volunteer fire departments nationwide since Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC started working together in 2019.

“These water donations help keep volunteer firefighters safe and healthy during active incidents while reducing the financial strain on departments with limited resources,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We’re grateful to Anheuser-Busch for its continued commitment to providing first responders with the essential resources needed to protect their communities.”

Since 1906, Anheuser-Busch has supported disaster relief initiatives. Since the start of its Emergency Drinking Water initiative in 1988, the country's leading brewer has donated more than 100 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to communities in need. Every year, it pauses beer production to produce emergency drinking water for communities affected by or preparing for disasters.

“Showing up for our communities is who we are at Anheuser-Busch, and our partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council reflects our deep gratitude for the first responders who work every day to keep them safe,” said Colleen Lucas, Vice President of Community Impact at Anheuser-Busch. “Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a can of water can make all the difference and we’re proud to use our manufacturing expertise to do our part in supporting these local heroes.”

The 2026 Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program application process ends on March 6, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST. By the end of May, departments will get notification of the selection. Visit www.nvfc.org/water to learn more and submit an application.

About the NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership

development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.

About Anheuser-Busch

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.