Local rural and volunteer fire departments receive grants

Southwest Volunteer Fire Department in Bartholomew County is among the rural and volunteer fire departments from 46 counties across the state that have been awarded more than $297,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants. Southwest is receiving $3,910 for safety equipment.

The grants, announced by DNR director Cameron Clark, are administered by the DNR Division of Forestry and made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Grants may be used for training, installation of dry hydrants or to purchase necessary firefighting equipment and gear to combat wildland fires. DNR says that a total of 71 departments received grants, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.

Other local fire departments receiving grants are:

– Letts Community Volunteer Fire; Decatur; $2,588 for water handling
– Campbell Township VFD; Jennings; $4,935 for radios
– Spencer Township VFD; Jennings; $5,000 for radios
– Scottsburg Fire Dept.; Scott; $4,071 for radios
– Fountaintown Community VFD; Shelby; $5,000 for safety