Staff Report

 

The Engelhard Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department has been awarded a $4,955 grant to help pay for firefighting personal protective clothing and equipment.

The fire department is required to provide a $4,955 match as a condition of receiving the grant from the N.C. Forest Service through its Volunteer Fire Assistance Program. Fire departments receiving such grants are required to keep appropriate records concerning the grant. They are subject to federal audits and inspections of items purchased with grant funds.

“The ability to obtain grant funds in support of our mission greatly increase our capabilities,” wrote Tony Spence, chief of the department in an email. “Our area has a long tradition of working well with the NC Forest Service and we thank them for supporting our partnership. The addition of more wildland firefighting gear and equipment increases the chance we can mitigate wildland fires before they have a chance to spread.”

The items being purchased include, but are not limited to, the following: 600 feet of 1-inch forestry hose, two forestry hose packs and hose nozzles, seven wildland fire jumpsuits, a chainsaw, fire rakes, shovels, portable radio and two multi-channel pagers. The estimated cost of all the items is $9,910, according to a grant document.