ODNR approves VFA grants for rural fire departments

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry recently approved grant funding for 95 projects totaling more than $593,000 for fire departments in rural areas through the Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program.

Great Trail Fire District, serving Carroll and Malvern, received $9,855.47 for MARCS communication devices. Carrollton Village Fire Department received $10,000 for wildfire tools and power tools. Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department, Mechanicstown, received $971.75 for structure fire supplies.

“In addition to wildland fire training, this funding helps departments serving Ohio’s wildfire protection area enhance their equipment and operational readiness,” Dan Balser, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry, said. “Investing in local departments strengthens emergency response at the community level.”

VFA grant projects focus on supporting rural fire departments and helping them continue delivering safety services to their communities. Grants are open to departments made up of at least 80% volunteer firefighters that serve communities with populations of fewer than 10,000 people within the ODNR Forestry wildfire protection area.

Grant funds may be used to purchase all-terrain vehicles, wildfire water tanks and pump units, wildfire and structure fire safety equipment, radios, tools and other items to support fire department operations and development. Grants may cover up to 50% of a project’s total cost, not to exceed $10,000 per grant.

ODNR said many rural fire departments operate with tight budgets, with resources focused on keeping essential emergency services running. The program helps supplement budgets and supports needed purchases, including personal protective equipment and basic fire suppression equipment.

VFA grant funding is provided to ODNR Forestry from the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this cycle included ODNR Forestry’s annual VFA allocation and additional Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds.