DNR News Release: Forest Fire Protection Grant recipients announced
MADISON – There are 215 local fire departments in Wisconsin that will receive a total of $543,237 in grant funding this year under the Forest Fire Protection Grant Program. Fire departments can use the grant funds for equipment, prevention and training to enhance their forest fire protection and suppression ability.
“These grants will enable local fire departments to increase their level of preparedness and ability to respond and protect their communities,” said Chris Klahn, Department of Natural Resources cooperative fire management specialist. “Throughout the year, DNR and local fire departments work cooperatively on numerous wildfire suppression efforts. It’s an effective partnership, and these grants help make it possible.”
The Forest Fire Protection Grant Program was established in 1997 to strengthen local fire departments’ and county or area fire organizations’ capabilities to assist the DNR forestry staff in suppression of forest fires. The grant program provides funds for the purchase of forest fire suppression equipment and training, including: personal protective equipment, forest fire training, forest fire prevention, forest fire tools and equipment, communication equipment, dry hydrant installation, rural fire mapping and off-road, all-wheel-drive, initial-attack vehicles.
A complete list of the 2013 grant recipients is available on the DNR website: http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/documents/awards/FFPAwards.pdf. The Forest Fire Protection Grant Program is administered by the Bureau of Community Financial Assistance. To learn more about these DNR grant programs go to: http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/