Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants are Available

After witnessing all of the hard-work and dedication of fire fighters with the Sam's Point wildfire, we are all reminded how important our local fire departments are. They run in when the rest of us are running out and our local fire departments are what they are because of the dedication of their volunteers and the hours of training they go through.

As with any organization though, equipment can wear out, get damaged, or simply stop working. In addition, new equipment that can help make a job safer or more effective becomes available. Paying to repair, replace, or purchase new equipment isn't always easy, but here's some good news.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is now accepting applications for federally-funded 'Volunteer Fire Assistance' grants. If awarded, fire departments will receive 50/50 matching funds up to the amount of $1,500. Only expenses directly related to fire suppression efforts are eligible for funding including  portable pumps and backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, light-weight fireproof clothing (Nomex), hard hats, etc.

Eligible fire departments include those that serve a single town with a population under 10,000; those that serve multiple communities, one of which is a rural town of less than 10,000 residents; and fire departments in towns with a population of 10,000 or more that meet the requirements listed on the application.

The deadline for the application is May 31. Click here for the application or for more information on this program.