Area fire departments awarded DNR grants

    DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has awarded a number of area fire departments grants to aid their efforts in protecting Iowans and their property from wildfires.
    Local departments receiving 50 percent cost share grant monies include Elk Horn, Harlan and Irwin.
    The grants are made possible through the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau, and offer assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications equipment.
    These Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants are recommended based on wildland fire reports provided by departments whenever they respond to a wildland fire or provide assistance at such a fire.  A total of $173,500 in grant monies were awarded to 74 departments.