Applications are now available for Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) said today.

“These grants help Pennsylvania’s rural fire companies in their lifesaving missions,” said Cutler.  “We have seen wildfires and other large-scale emergencies in our area in past years, and properly trained and equipped fire companies are better able to handle such incidents.  I thank our emergency service volunteers for all they do to protect our lives and property.”

The grants are made available in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are designed to facilitate a partnership with state officials in an effort to organize, train and equip local forces in preventing, controlling and suppressing fires that have the potential to threaten human life, livestock, crops, pastures, woodlands, orchards and farmsteads.  The grants are available to rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Grants can be used for the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment, wildfire or structural protective gear, wildfire prevention and mitigation, wildfire training and related necessary tools.  Funds may also be used for certain projects involving the conversion and maintenance of federal excess vehicles received from the Bureau of Forestry and used for fire suppression.

Financial assistance on any project during any fiscal year cannot exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures, including expenditures of local, public and private nonprofit organizations participating in the agreement.

Because of high demand and limited funding, there is a five-year waiting period between the years a fire company is eligible to receive grants.