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DCNR Now Accepting Applications From Volunteer Fire Companies For Grants To Battle Wildfires

On April 6, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it is now accepting grant applications from volunteer fire companies to help them battle wildfires. Applications are due May 21.

Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires.

“Now, more than ever, Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighters and first-responders deserve the very best training and equipment, and these grants help them obtain both,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Spring’s warming temperatures, sunny days, and strong winds all combine to usher in wildfire dangers that emphasize the value of having well-trained and well-equipped local firefighting forces in rural areas.”

“Very different from fighting a home or building fire, wildfire fighting requires specialized training and equipment,” said State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego. “During these challenging times, these grants ensure the men and women doing the work have what they need to do their job safely while protecting their communities.”

In reviewing applications, priority will be placed on projects that include the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing.

Grants also may be used for purchasing mobile or portable radios, installing dry hydrants, wildfire prevention and mitigation work, training wildfire fighters, or converting and maintaining federal excess vehicles.

These vehicles are presented to the local departments exhibiting the greatest needs and those that commit to outfitting them for fire suppression.

Also, grants now can be used to purchase new/used 4X4 vehicles which will be utilized as a Type 6 or 7 Wildland Engine, and costing $40,000 or less.

Aid is granted on a cost-share basis. Grants for any project during a fiscal year cannot exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures of local, public, and private nonprofit organizations in the agreement.

The maximum grant that will be considered from any fire company in 2020 is $10,000.

The grant program, offered through DCNR and paid through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, has awarded more than $13 million since it began in 1982.

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