DNR Awards Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants to 37 Fire Departments

Annapolis, Md. (August 29, 2012) ─  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service is giving Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 37 volunteer fire departments across the State this year. DNR will help fund projects in 15 counties to provide these men and women with the tools to better fight wildfires in rural communities.

“I am heartened that we are able to support the efforts of these selfless volunteers who give their time and energy to help protect our State’s citizens, property and natural resources,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin.

This year’s grants will help provide wildland personal protective gear, Class A foam, and upgraded radio communications equipment. The funds will also go toward supplying departments with equipment for brush trucks, engines, tankers, and other tools to enhance wildfire suppression, and replacing small diameter hoses.

“These grants help the departments purchase much needed wildland fire equipment that they may otherwise not be able to afford,” said DNR State Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell. “The new gear will help them safely and more effectively protect their communities from wildfires.”

Grant funds provided by the USDA Forest Service funded 37 applications this year for $93,009 in DNR matching funding to complete the $200,624 in total project cost. The maximum grant award equaled 50 percent of the total project cost with a maximum of $3,000 grant per department.

The following is a list of 2012 awards:
 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov