Rural Washington Firefighters Receive Grants

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As crews continue to battle a fire burning west of Yakima, Washington, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be administering funds provided by the United States Forest Service (USFS) to 70 rural fire protection districts and fire departments. According to the DNR, a total of $152,597 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grant funds will be handed out to purchase personal protective clothing, fire shelters and basic fire suppression tools.

"As a former volunteer firefighter, I know the importance of this grant assistance," said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. "Volunteer Fire Assistance pays half the cost of this new equipment, providing substantial relief for our districts during these challenging economic times."

Fire districts also can use this funding for training, to update radio communications systems or to acquire new apparatus. According to the DNR, an example of how the funds will help small districts: national fire safety regulators have mandated that all fire agencies adopt a newer type fire shelter this year. The shelter, while important for firefighter safety, is a new expense that is difficult for smaller, rural communities to fund.

The next opportunity to apply for grants starts on September 1, 2010, and closes October 29, 2010. To be eligible, fire districts and departments must serve less than 10,000 residents and provide wildland fire protection to private, state and federal land.

Interested districts can find detailed information, including downloadable applications, on the DNR website at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/FirePreventionAssistance/Pages/Home.aspx

Volunteer Fire Assistance grant funds were authorized by the 1990 U.S. Congress and are being provided by the U.S. Forest Service. This is one of several programs administered by DNR to provide equipment, training, and improve communications for Washington fire districts and departments.

For a complete listing of grant recipients, go to http://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/rp_fire_volunteer_fire_grant.pdf.



Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News