COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry has approved federal pass-through grant funding for 22 projects that will assist and improve fire departments serving communities with populations under 10,000.

“These grants provide valuable resources to assist local fire departments in providing wildland and rural community fire protection,” said David Lytle, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “The division is committed to helping local fire departments with limited budgets effectively perform their duties.”

Of the nearly 1,300 fire departments within Ohio, approximately 900 are classified as rural and are primarily staffed by volunteers. The average annual budget for an Ohio rural fire department is $35,000 per year, with many fire departments operating on $10,000 or less annually.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Wildland Fire Personal Protective Equipment Grants provide departments with ten complete sets of clothing suitable for fighting wildland fires. Each set valued at $456 includes lightweight Nomex shirt and pants, a hardhat, goggles, leather gloves, and a fire shelter. The Division of Forestry has recommended 22 fire departments in 20 Ohio counties to receive this year’s clothing grant. The clothing will be available for pick up in May of 2011.

Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, as well as wildfire in Ohio, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

 2010 VFA Wildland Personal Protective Equipment Grant Awardees

For further information, contact:
Rick Maier, ODNR Division of Forestry
740. 774. 1596 (extension 110)
Jason Fallon, ODNR Communications
614. 265. 6842