The Wolf administration announced recently the application window is now open for grants to help Pennsylvania’s rural communities increase protection from wildfires.

Grant applications must be electronically submitted through DCNR’s grant website by 4 p.m. May 12.

To expedite applications and decision-making processes, DCNR is accepting only online applications.

Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid, which is used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires.

Grant recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection. The key objective is to better equip and train volunteers to save lives and protect property in unprotected or inadequately protected rural areas.