Wildfires have been occurring in increasing frequency in recent years across the country, prompting many states to be proactive in planning for prevention. | Canva
Wildfires have been occurring in increasing frequency in recent years across the country, prompting many states to be proactive in planning for prevention. | Canva
The Wolf Administration announced that the application window is now open for grants to help Pennsylvania’s rural communities increase protection from wildfires.
The grants that are awarded can go towards funding a variety of measures to help prevent and fight wildfires in Pennsylvania. This includes things like the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment, wildfire protective gear, portable radios, installation of dry hydrants, training and other projects.
Cindy Dunn, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary, spoke about the importance of the volunteers that apply for grants to help prevent wildfires in the state.
"We appreciate the hard work of the men and women who volunteer with the fire companies that serve our rural areas and communities across Pennsylvania," she said. "Their commitment and dedication to fighting forest and brush fires is critical in ensuring the commonwealth does not experience the horrific fires that plague other states. We appreciate the value of well-equipped and highly trained wildfire fighters and encourage fire companies to apply for these grants.”
Acting State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook pointed to volunteer fire companies’ service to communities close to home, noting that many volunteer firefighters often join the DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry crews battling wildfires across the U.S.
Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Grant recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection. The key objective is to better equip and train volunteers to save lives and protect property in unprotected or inadequately protected rural areas.
Grant applications must be electronically submitted through DCNR’s grant website by 4:00 P.M., Thursday, May 12, 2022. To expedite applications and decision-making processes, DCNR is only accepting online applications.
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