RICHLAND COUNTY — Three Richland County fire departments have secured grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry which will strengthen their response and protect the communities they serve — from new radios to wildfire personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Ohio Division of Forestry awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to rural departments to improve wildfire protection, communication and firefighter safety.

The program supports rural fire departments and helps them continue delivering critical services to their communities.

Local departments put funding to work

WORTHINGTON TWP. FIRE DEPT.

Worthington Township Fire Department received $3,096.50 to purchase wildfire PPE, tools and supplies. The new equipment will help firefighters respond safely to brush and field fires that threaten homes and property in the area.

Fire Chief Michael Towle said while people often think about wild fires out on the west coast, areas here in Ohio can still face brush-fire risks.

He said the grant funded fire-resistant jackets and helmets designed specifically for wildland firefighting, which differ from standard structural fire gear.

“Many departments in our area do not have dedicated wild-land gear,” Towle said. “We often rely on structural gear, which is not designed for that type of fire.”

The department replaced its chainsaws last year and added wildfire protective gear this year to strengthen its response capabilities. Towle said the upgrades help firefighters work more safely and effectively in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

“We run on a lean budget and stay efficient with taxpayer dollars,” Towle said. “These grants allow us to keep operating on the same levy while improving our equipment.”

Towle said partnerships with the ODNR and other organizations help the department secure critical resources — with every purchase focusing on improving safety and outcomes for the community.

“We always look for grant opportunities at every level,” Towle said. “We base every decision on what we can do to improve outcomes for our taxpayers.”

PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPT.

The Plymouth Fire Department received $5,223.76 for MARCS devices and suppression supplies.

“The grant helps cover the cost of needed supplies and reduces the financial burden on local taxpayers,” Fire Chief Richard Metzger said. “Grant money means we don’t have to spend as much levy money.”

He added these new items help to keep their department ready and help towards supplies for their brush truck.

Metzger said the department actively pursues grant opportunities whenever possible. Earlier this year, Plymouth Fire Department received a State Fire Marshal MARCS grant and reimbursement funding for training in January.

“We are always applying for grants as long as we meet the qualifications,” Metzger said.

WASHINGTON TWP. FIRE DEPT.

Washington Township Fire Department received $10,000 for MARCS communication devices.

Fire Chief David Compton said they will be replacing damaged devices and adding to their inventory due to staff increases.

He noted these grants help them to utilize that $10,000 from their levy for other items.

“We are anticipating the Assistance to Firefighters Grant through FEMA, but that hasn’t opened yet,” he said.

State forestry division strengthens wildfire readiness

The Division of Forestry operates under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and leads efforts to protect and manage Ohio’s forest resources.

Managing state forests, supports private landowners and helps communities maintain healthy woodlands — the agency also leads wildfire prevention and response across rural and forested areas.

They train firefighters, provide technical support and deliver grant funding and equipment that help departments respond quickly and safely.

VFA grants are open to fire departments that serve communities with fewer than 10,000 residents within the state’s wildfire protection area. The grants may fund up to 50 percent of a project’s total cost, with a maximum award of $10,000.

Departments may use the funding to purchase UTVs, slip-in wildfire pump units, wildfire and structure fire protective gear, Multi-Agency Radio Communication System radios, tools and other equipment that strengthens fire department operations.