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2015 DNR VOLUNTEER FIRE ASSISTANCE GRANTS AWARDED TO RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS

News

December 1st, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says more than $173,000 in 50 percent cost-share grants have recently been awarded to 74 of Iowa’s rural fire departments to aid their efforts in protecting Iowan’s and their property from wildfires. The grants offer valuable funding assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications equipment.

Among the fire departments that have received or will receive 2015 VFA grants, are those in: Creston, Elk Horn, Harlan, Irwin, Menlo, Onawa, Sidney, Stanton, and Stuart. The grants are made possible through the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau, in cooperation with US Forest Service – State and Private Forestry.

Gail Kantak, fire supervisor with the DNR’s Forestry Bureau, reminds all fire departments of the importance of submitting Wildland Fire Reports whenever they respond to a wildland fire or provide assistance to a prescribed or controlled wildland fire. Wildland fire reporting forms are available at www.iowadnr.gov/fire.

Departments returning the reports receive priority points when the Volunteer Fire Assistance grant applications are scored. The wildland fire reports are compiled locally and nationally and are reported to Congress.