Volunteer Fire Grants Awarded

Seventy-three volunteer fire departments across Illinois are set to receive a total of $495,000 in federal grants, according to the Department of Natural Resources. These funds, part of the Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program, aim to help departments purchase new equipment and support fire training efforts. The grantees collectively serve approximately 250,000 residents, focusing on rural areas throughout the state. Funding for the initiative comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, providing critical support to first responders and helping enhance public safety in communities that rely on volunteer fire services.