With many communities looking for ways to supplement volunteer EMS services, the federally funded Volunteer Fire Assistance grants are now available, said Joe Martens, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner.
The grants help rural fire departments enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities. The deadline for applications is June 15.
“Fire departments in rural areas are the backbone of fire protection for thousands of New Yorkers,” Martens said. “Rural fire departments work with state forest rangers to fight wildfires that threaten our natural resources and these grants will help them prepare for the challenge of fighting wildfires.”
The grant program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC. Last year, the program allocated $466,000, which provided $1,000 grants to 466 fire departments. It is anticipated that the federal funding will be decreased for 2011. Only expenses directly related to fire suppression efforts are eligible for funding.
Eligible fire companies include those that serve a single town with a population of 10,000 or less and those that serve multiple communities, one of which is a rural town of fewer than 10,000 residents. Fire companies in towns with a population of 10,000 or more may be eligible if they meet the requirements listed on the application. Fire departments must provide half the cost of the project being funded. All funded projects should be completed by Oct. 31, 2011.
Preference will be given to fire departments that have not received funding in the past five years under the Volunteer Fire Assistance/Rural Community Fire Protection Program.
For applications or further information about the grant program, contact DEC at (518) 402-8839 or visit dec.ny.gov/regulations/2364.htm.
