49 Fire Departments in 17 Counties Receive $104,099

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the 2018 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 49 volunteer fire departments. The projects, distributed throughout 17 counties, aim to assist volunteer fire companies and departments enhance wildland fire protection in rural areas and communities.

The Maryland Forest Service awarded $104,099 in match funding to complete $245,907 in total projects. The maximum grant awarded was $3,000 per department. The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

"This essential grant funding will help equip and train local fire companies and department throughout the state," Maryland State Fire Supervisor Mont Mitchell said. "Through this financial and technical assistance to rural volunteer fire departments, we seek to improve emergency response, firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression capabilities."

Congratulations to the following Charles County volunteer departments for their awards:

Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department $6,704 project cost $3,000 received from grant
Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad $1,371 project cost $685 received from grant
Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department $5,897 project cost $653 received from grant