Dravosburg, Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Companies Receive Grants 

Harrisburg – Oct. 9, 2018 — Two local fire companies In the Mon Valley were awarded grants to help combat wildfires in state forests and undeveloped areas, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 is slated to receive $2,775 and Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Co. $10,000 to respond to wildfires. 

“Our volunteer fire companies do an extraordinary job in responding to fires and emergency situations, not only in built up areas but also in forests and more rural regions,” Brewster said.  “These grants will help equip firefighters and provide training in dealing with forest or brush fires.”

There were 132 grants for fire companies approved statewide.  The total grant funding available this year is $646,891.

Since 1982, more than $12.5 million in grant funding has been approved.  The funding was received through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“We simply must do more to support our fire services,” Brewster said.  “These dollars will be put to good use in both Dravosburg and Elizabeth.”

Brewster said fires in forests and undeveloped areas are difficult to manage and often require special equipment and training. 

“These grants are a tool that we can use to help local fire companies save lives and property,” Brewster said. 

Last year, nearly $600,000 in grant funding was released to 129 volunteer fire companies. 

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