Fifteen volunteer fire companies in Butler, Clarion, Venango and Warren counties were recently awarded state grants by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires, according to Senator Scott Hutchinson.
Butler County recipients are: Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, $2,550 and West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department, $3,500.
Clarion County recipients are: Knox Volunteer Fire Co., $3,937 and New Bethlehem Fire Co. 1, $7,500.
Venango County recipients are: Chapmanville Volunteer Fire Department, $1,181; Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department, $3,746; Cooperstown VVF, $2,773; Oakland Township Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association, $2,300; Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department, $7,047; Rockland Township Volunteer Fire Department, $7,143 and Sandycreek Township Volunteer Fire Department, $3,930.
Warren County recipients are: Cherry Grove Volunteer Fire Department, $2,250; Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, $3,000; Spring Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, $5,550 and Tidioute Volunteer Fire Department, $2,000.
Grants of up to $7,500 were offered under the program to volunteer fire companies serving rural areas and communities with fewer than 10,000 residents and where forest and brush fires are common. More than $604,000 was awarded to 142 volunteer fire companies serving rural areas and communities where forest and brush fires are common.
Funds from the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program, administered by the DCNR, may be used for purchasing mobile or portable radios, installing dry hydrants, performing wildfire prevention and mitigation work, training wildfire fighters, or converting and maintaining federal excess vehicles to be used for fire suppression.
Contact: Justin Leventry (717) 787-9684