Delaware Forest Service to award grants for volunteer firefighters

The Delaware Forest Service is awarding a total of $20,000 in grants, with a maximum grant of up to $4,500.

Kyle Hoyd, assistant forestry administrator for the Delaware Forest Service, told 47 ABC that just about everyone who applies for the grant gets some sort of funding.

Hoyd added that brush fires are becoming more common and these grants could allow departments to buy specialty equipment, in order to effectively access remote areas.

“Volunteer firefighters are the first line of defense. They're one of our biggest allies because one thing that firefighters in the state of Delaware are tasked with is we have a very small staff,” Hoyd said.

“It just better serves the public in that we're able to fight these fires and knock these fires down in a more time efficient manner and a more safe manner.”

Last year 43 departments benefited from this annual grant.

Volunteer firefighter departments can apply for the grant money until May 1st.

Applications must be received by the Delaware Forest Service, 2320 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, 19901.