Agricultural News
Rural Fire Departments Statewide Receive $3.7 Million from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture
Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:17:38 CDT
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry's Forestry Services Division today distributed over $3.7 million in operational grant funds to 877 rural fire departments across the state. Funded by the Oklahoma legislature and authorized by Governor Fallin, these grants assist departments located in communities with a population of less than 10,000 people and can be used for a range of needs.
"Our state's leaders recognize the importance of rural fire departments," said Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese "These grants are timely as fire departments have depleted many resources during the current fire season."
Funds can be used for the operations and maintenance of the fire department including the purchase, construction, repair and operation of fire stations and fire equipment, firefighter training and the purchase of fuel.
"These operational grants provide valuable assistance to local fire departments in providing wildland and rural community fire protection," said Reese. "We are committed to helping local fire departments with limited budgets effectively perform their duties."
Oklahoma Forestry Services also provides equipment and technical advice through the Rural Fire Defense Program. OFS acquires and provides equipment to departments for use in wildfire suppression efforts.
"Such property can be a viable alternative to purchasing new equipment," noted State Forester George Geissler. "We also offer firefighting supplies at cost to rural fire departments across the state. By purchasing many items in bulk quantities and at lower cost, smaller departments receive volume discount savings."
For more information concerning Operational Grants, Rural Fire Defense or other ODAFF-Forestry Services programs call 405-288-2385 or visit their website by clicking here.
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