BUTLER — The Worthington Township Fire Department will receive a boost thanks to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry.
The Butler-area department received a grant for $2,982.10 to help buy chainsaws and accessories.The local department was one of 90 projects statewide funded in the program.
In total, funding included more than $562,000 for fire departments in rural areas of Ohio through the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program.
“Local fire departments play a vital role safeguarding Ohioans and properties within the communities they serve, and this cannot be overstated,” expressed Dan Balser, ODNR Division of Forestry Chief.
“Alongside the training we provide for wildland firefighters, we are delighted to offer funding for the procurement of improved equipment to our key partners in the prevention and suppression of wildfires.”
VFA grant projects are focused on supporting rural fire departments and helping them continue to deliver safety services to their communities. VFA grants are open to fire departments that serve communities with populations of less than 10,000 people within the ODNR Forestry wildfire protection area.
The grant funds may be used by fire departments to purchase UTVs, slip-in wildfire pump units, wildfire and structure fire PPE, Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) radios, tools, and other items to support fire department operations and development.
VFA grants may fund up to 50% of the total project cost, not to exceed $10,000 per grant.
Many rural fire departments in Ohio have tight budgets, and much of their limited resources must be focused on absolute essentials for keeping emergency services up and running.
ODNR Division of Forestry’s VFA grant program helps supplement fire department budgets and facilitates important purchases like firefighter personal protective equipment and basic fire suppression equipment.
VFA grant funding is provided to ODNR Forestry from the USDA Forest Service.
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram @odnrforestry.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.