The New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau recently awarded grants totaling $85,795 to local fire departments in 46 communities across the state, including Dublin, Rindge and Francestown, to help them purchase items directly related to wildfire suppression.
These items include personal protective equipment such as fire-resistant clothing, hard hats, headlamps and chainsaw chaps; water tanks for utility terrain vehicles; wildland fire pumps and light weight hose; hand tools and chainsaws.
The Forest Protection Bureau works closely with local fire departments for wildfire prevention and suppression throughout the year, including through training programs. New Hampshire averages 250 wildfires annually with 250 acres impacted. Local fire departments are usually the first-responding firefighters on scene at wildfires.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant funds are provided by the U.S. Forest Service and in New Hampshire are administered by the Forest Protection Bureau. Fire departments in New Hampshire communities with a population of fewer than 10,000 are eligible to apply. For fiscal year 2023, fire departments were eligible to receive 50/50 matching funds up to $2,499.