By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Pennsylvania has awarded more than $905,000 in state grants to volunteer fire companies to support wildfire readiness, the state fire commission announced.
• The funds come from the Pennsylvania Wildfire Preparedness and Response Grant Program.
• Grants will be used for wildfire training, equipment, and community readiness initiatives.
• Funding is intended to enhance capabilities in areas at elevated risk of wildland fire incidents.
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner has announced more than $905,000 in grant awards to volunteer fire companies to bolster wildfire readiness statewide, officials said.
The funding is provided through the Pennsylvania Wildfire Preparedness and Response Grant Program and will be distributed to eligible volunteer fire departments with projects focused on wildfire training, equipment acquisition, and public preparedness, according to the fire commission.
Officials said the grants are intended to enhance the capabilities of volunteer fire companies serving communities at elevated risk of wildland and brush fire incidents.
Projects funded under the program include specialized training for wildfire response, purchases of equipment such as tools and protective gear, and outreach initiatives to improve community resilience, the announcement said.
The state fire commission encouraged departments to apply for future grant cycles to continue expanding readiness and response capabilities for wildland fire challenges.