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Three local departments are among those receiving grants to help with wildfire protection, according to a joint release from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
According to the release, $883,143 was awarded to 142 fire departments across the state to " help Pennsylvania's rural communities increase protection from wildfires, while encouraging fire safety across the commonwealth."
In Warren County, the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department received $4,700, the Garland Volunteer Fire Department received $3,600 and the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Service received $1,400.
"Ensuring we have well-equipped and highly trained wildfire fighters is key in protecting our forests and wilds from wildfires, whether they are human-caused and naturally occurring," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in the release.
The grants are awarded on a match basis and may only represent 50 percent of actual expenditures. The maximum award this year was $12,500.
Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
According to the release, grant requests for wildfire suppression equipment of protective clothing were given highest priority. Funds can also be used for radios, dry hydrants, wildfire prevention and mitigation, training and converting excess federal vehicles for use.
"Each year, a variety of factors like drying vegetation, fewer natural windbreaks and now, scarce rain, come together to compound fire risks during wildfire season," state Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said in the release. "It's easy to forget that the men and women that respond to these incidents are our neighbors, family members, and friends, and largely part of the same volunteer fire service that the commonwealth depends upon every day. Grant programs like these are essential financial pipelines, providing firefighters with the mission-critical training, equipment, and supplies needed to safely and successfully complete their missions."
According to the release, the greatest danger for wildfires occurs in autumn during October and November and in the spring from March through May.
"DCNR encourages those starting a fire at home or at a campsite to make sure there are no combustible items within ten feet of the fire," according to the release. "Additionally, it is recommended to have a rake or shovel along with water to properly suppress the embers of a fire. Finally, officials recommend checking DCNR's website to see if there is an elevated fire risk."
The release provided advice from DCNR's Bureau of Forestry including:
¯ Clear the area around the fire prior to starting it;
¯ Keep the fire small and never leave it unattended;
¯ Before you strike a campfire match, first consider if it is too warm, dry or windy for a fire and if the surrounding area is free of leaves and other combustibles;
¯ Make sure there is a ready source of water (bucket or hose) nearby and a rake to extinguish any embers that might escape; and
¯ When you are done with the fire, put it out with water until all ashes are cold to the touch.