For more than 20 years, rural fire departments in the Mat-Su Borough have been awarded funding through the Alaska State Division of Forestry Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program. This year, those departments will receive about $39,000. And with a 10 percent match from the fire service areas, the funds will help cover costs for clothing, supplies, and firefighting and communications equipment.
Borough Deputy Director of Emergency Services Brian Davis says the grant will enable the more rural communities to be better equipped to respond to fires. With this year’s lack of snow and grassy areas already appearing, he says the season is kicking off early.
Funds will be divided among four fire service areas. Sutton, Talkeetna, Willow, and Caswell will each receive about $10,000. To qualify, fire departments must serve fewer than 10,000 residents. The funds are meant to help increase wildland firefighting capacity in rural areas.
Davis also says this grant is just one part of the overall approach to providing response to wildland fires. Each department can request funds for what their crew and area needs that year.
With the lack of snow this year, burn permits were required beginning March 17th, a full two weeks earlier than normal.
