Fire Defense Grants Available to Local Fire Departments

Rural fire departments are being encouraged to apply for 2016 Rural Fire Defense 80/20 Reimbursement Grants.

Rural fire departments serving populations of less than 10,000 can apply for grants now through Sept.1 through Oklahoma Forestry Services.

The grants can be used for rural fire department equipment purchases or construction, up to $20,000 and $30,000 respectively. Reimbursement of 80 percent of the total amount of the project is provided through the grants. Recipients receive reimbursement only after the purchase or construction costs have been paid by the recipient.

The Oklahoma Legislature funds the grants with authorization from Gov. Mary Fallin. They are administered by Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Forestry Services through Rural Fire Coordinators.

Grants are awarded to legal entities (cities, towns, fire departments or districts) with a population of less than 10,000. Recipients can only make purchases after their fire department has been officially awarded a grant and received a copy of the State Purchase Order issued by the agriculture department.

A total of $200,000 is available for the program this year and will be awarded in October.

Applications and more information are available on the Oklahoma Forestry Services website, http://www.forestry.ok.gov/firegrants, or call (405) 522-6158.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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