Local fire departments receive DNR grants
Several local fired departments received Indiana Department of Natural Resources grants.
Rural and volunteer fire departments from 29 counties across Indiana have been awarded more than $194,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants.
The grants are administered by the DNR Division of Forestry and made available through the USDA Forest Service. DNR Forestry staff reviews grant applications and selects recipients on the basis of population density, acres of public wildlands protected, and wildland fire reporting to DNR Fire Control Headquarters.
As in past years past, the Wildland Fire category was again highlighted, with departments purchasing equipment and gear to combat wildland fires.
Grants may be used for training, installation of dry hydrants, or to purchase necessary firefighting equipment and personal protective gear in an effort to increase firefighting capacity and personnel safety.
Grants awarded ranged from $1,795 to $5,000, and were given to four departments in Dubois County. In all 44 departments in the state received grants. Celestine Volunteer Fire Department received $1,795; Dubois Volunteer Fire Department received $2,830; Haysville Fire Department received $2,375; and Madison Township received $5,000.
Fire departments interested in applying for VFA grant opportunities should contact Crystal M. Hunt, Program Coordinator, Fire Control Headquarters, 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville, 46151, or call (765) 342-4701.
