Forest Fire Protection Grants announced for forest and wildland fire suppression
MADISON – There are 222 local fire departments in Wisconsin that will receive a total of $564,173 in grants this year for equipment, prevention and training to enhance their forest fire protection and suppression ability.
Local fire departments and county or area fire organizations received funding by applying for Forest Fire Protection Grants, which were 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.
“Wisconsin’s fire departments deserve more than just our thanks. These grant awards demonstrate our department’s support for the great work they do on behalf of our citizens,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp.
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.
“These grants will enable local fire departments to increase their level of preparedness and ability to respond and protect their communities,” said Chris Klahn, DNR cooperative fire control 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.”
A complete list of the 2014 grant recipients can be found at: http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/documents/awards/FFPawards.pdf?o=n The Forest Fire Protection Grant program is one of over 30 grant programs administered by the Bureau of Community Financial Assistance. You can learn more about these DNR grant programs at the following web page: http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/