Northwest Iowa — Seven area fire departments are among one hundred statewide to be awarded a share of $234,459 in 50% cost sharing funds to aid in their efforts in protecting Iowans and their property from wildfires.
In our area, the grants were awarded to: Ashton, Hawarden and Akron, who each were awarded $35-hundred; Everly received a $3192 grant; Sutherland was granted $1,105; Hospers $1,858; and Spirit Lake $320.
The grants are through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forestry Section’s Fire Program, in cooperation with US Forest Service.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program is authorized by the 1990 Farm Bill to provide financial, technical, and other assistance through state forestry agencies to organize, equip, and train small, local fire departments in rural communities with populations under 10,000 to prevent and suppress rural fires. Work contributes to healthy forests, forest stewardship, and sustainable economic development. VFA dollars may be used to fund multi-community/fire department projects such as mutual-aid communications networks.
