Grants Available For Rural Fire Departments

Albany, NY (WIBX) - Rural fire departments may be eligible for grants through the Department of Environmental Conservation, to help with wildfire fighting efforts.

According to the group, an anticipated $375,000 will be available to fire companies serving towns with fewer than 10,000 people. Departments may apply for the grants until May 15th.

The money is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and will be received on a 50/50 matching fund basis, up to $1,000.  Money can only be spent on fire suppression products, such as hoses, lightweight fireproof clothing and portable radios.

Last year, 475 fire companies received a portion of the more than $400,000 allocated to the program.

For more information or to apply, call the DEC at (518) 402-8839, visit their website here. Letters may also be directed to their main office at:

NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233