Causer Announces Grants to Local Fire Departments

October 10, 2018

HARRISBURG – Five area fire departments have been awarded grants totaling nearly $25,000 to help guard against the threat of wildfires in the state’s forests and other undeveloped areas, according to Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).

“These grants represent an important investment in our rural fire companies, ensuring they are able to purchase equipment and obtain the necessary training to address the potential dangers presented by wildfires in our region,” Causer said.

The grants were awarded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as follows:
• Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $9,134.
• Hamlin Township Volunteer Fire Department, Hazel Hurst – $1,083.
• Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Coudersport – $3,350.
• Kettle Creek Hose Co. No. 1 Volunteer Fire Co., Cross Fork – $7,045.
• Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Shinglehouse – $3,750.

Local firefighting forces in communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Grants may be used for purchasing mobile or portable radios; installing water supply equipment; wildfire prevention and mitigation work; training wildfire fighters; or converting and maintaining federal excess vehicles.

A total of 132 volunteer fire companies were awarded $646,891 to help guard against the threat of wildfires in the state’s forests and other undeveloped areas. The grant program, offered through DCNR and paid through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, has awarded more than $12.5 million since it began in 1982.