Grants Issued to Oklahoma Rural Fire Departments

Oklahoma Forestry Services has announced that a total of $200,000 in grants have been awarded to rural fire departments across the state.

The annual Rural Fire 80/20 Grant program is funded by the Oklahoma Legislature and authorized by Gov. Mary Fallin.

State Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese says the program provides assistance to departments to pay for improvements in infrastructure and equipment, which in turn reduces insurance rates.

Funds can be used to buy firefighting or communications equipment or to build or improve a fire station. The departments receiving the grants can make eligible purchases and submit receipts for 80 percent reimbursement.