Nearly one million dollars is being made available to volunteer fire departments to combat wildfires.
The DEC has made the announcement that the money comes from Volunteer Fire Assistance grant funding and will help rural fire departments protect the public and natural resources from wildfires. The grant program is funded by the US Forest Service but is administered by the DEC.
Departments are eligible to receive up to $2,500 in 50/50 matching funds, a $1,000 increase over last year. Grant funding can only be used for expenses directly related to wildland firefighting.
The DEC adds that departments must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- 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 application requirements.
“When wildfires break out in different parts of the State, DEC’s Forest Rangers are often joined by members of volunteer fire departments,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “This grant program bolsters the local capacity to fight wildland fires, so firefighters can protect their family, friends, and neighbors, and their surrounding communities.”
Departments only have until November 15 to apply.
Applications can be found on the DEC’s website.
