The Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) has issued a formal notice announcing an inflation-based adjustment to the Fire and Emergency Medical Service Loan Program, effective February 1, 2026.
In accordance with 35 Pa.C.S. Chapter 73, Subchapter E, loan limits under the program are adjusted biannually based on inflation. This update reflects a 3.3% increase, calculated using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington region, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These changes are intended to ensure fire companies and EMS organizations continue to have access to affordable financing
that keeps pace with rising costs for facilities, apparatus, and critical equipment.
Fire & EMS Program Lending Limits
(Effective February 1, 2026 | Minimum loan amount: $3,000)
All loans are issued at 2% interest per annum.
| Project | Maximum Loan | Maximum Term | Payment (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facility | $636,337 or 50% (whichever is less) | 20 Years | $3,219.12 |
| Aerial Apparatus | $494,942 or 50% (whichever is less) | 20 Years | $2,503.83 |
| Heavy Duty Rescue (GVWR 14,700+ lbs.) | $353,547 or 50% (whichever is less) | 20 Years | $1,788.54 |
| Light Duty Rescue | $176,775 or 50% (whichever is less) | 15 Years | $1,137.56 |
| Apparatus (New) * | $353,547 or 50% (whichever is less) | 20 Years | $1,788.54 |
| Apparatus (Used) ˆ | $282,792 or 80% (whichever is less) | 15 Years | $1,819.79 |
| Ambulance ~ | $176,775 or 50% (whichever is less) | 15 Years | $1,137.56 |
| Watercraft Rescue | $49,508 or 50% (whichever is less) | 10 Years | $455.54 |
| Repair / Refurbish + | $113,140 or 80% (whichever is less) | 15 Years | $728.07 |
| PennFIRS | $5,744 or 50% (whichever is less) | 10 Years | $52.85 |
| Equipment | $35,378 (Once per 5-year period) | 10 Years | $325.53 |
Notes:
- * Includes Pumpers, Tankers, Utility, and Special Service Vehicles
- ˆ Includes Aerial Apparatus, Heavy Duty Rescue, and Light Duty Rescue
- ~ Includes New and Used
- + Includes Remounts
Additional Manufacturing Incentive
New apparatus, ambulance, and rescue vehicles manufactured or assembled in Pennsylvania may qualify for an additional $20,000 added to the limits above. Certification is required from the manufacturer that 75% of the total cost results from the vehicle being manufactured in this Commonwealth.
Loan Term Summary by Amount
| Loan Amount | Maximum Term |
|---|---|
| Less than $50,000 | 10 Years |
| Above $50,000 — $300,000 | 15 Years |
| Above $300,000 | 20 Years |
The notice was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and issued by Thomas Cook, Fire Commissioner.
Fire and EMS organizations considering capital projects or major purchases are encouraged to review the updated limits and plan accordingly as part of their long-term funding strategies.
