As Pennsylvania enters its peak spring wildfire season, two state lawmakers serving the region announced grant funding awarded to several local fire companies to strengthen wildfire protection in rural communities in the 84th and 83rd districts.

Those receiving grants include: Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company ($13,525), Waterville Volunteer Fire Company ($6,000), Mildred Volunteer Fire Company ($15,000), Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department ($7,500) and Tiadaghton Forest Firefighters Association ($8,651).

“Making sure our rural Volunteer Fire Companies have the tools they need to do their jobs is one of my top priorities as a State Representative,” state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, for the 84th District, said.

“I will continue to do everything I can to make sure they have the resources they need to help keep the people of Pennsylvania safe.”

State Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, announced funding has been secured for wildfire suppression equipment and training in Lycoming County.

“Each time money is invested into our fire services, it’s an investment into community safety,” Flick said. The funding allows for the purchase of critical wildfire suppression equipment, protective gear, communications tools and training.

The funding was awarded through a cost-share grant program that provides up to $15,000 to rural fire companies serving municipalities with less than 10,000 residents.

“This funding will keep residents in the 83rd District safer. It will also provide for the resources that help our firefighters stay prepared and safe on every call.”

Flick previously announced more than $225,000 was allocated to fire and EMS companies in Lycoming and Union counties.

The money comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Grants of up to $15,000 were awarded on a 50/50 cost-share basis to fire companies serving rural communities and municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Priority was given to projects focused on wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing. Funding may also be used for mobile or portable radios, dry hydrant installation, wildfire prevention and mitigation work, wildland firefighter training, and converting vehicles into wildland fire engines.

Since the program began in 1982, more than $14 million has been distributed to support wildfire protection efforts across Pennsylvania. These awards represent federal financial assistance administered by DCNR through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service.

Pennsylvania’s career and volunteer firefighters regularly respond to woodland and brush fires statewide, and many also deploy with DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry crews to assist with large-scale wildfire response efforts in other states during peak summer conditions.