AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials are offering grant money to help rural fire departments with their equipment costs. The forestry bureau of the state Department of Natural Resources is coordinating with the U.S. Forest Service to offer grants for hoses, nozzles and adapters, among other things.

Applications are due Oct. 15. A grant provides 50 percent reimbursement for fire equipment. A department can received up to $3,500. Fire departments are encouraged to submit a special report after responding to a wildland fire to receive priority points in the grant application process.