Wis. fire departments receive grants for fighting wildfires

The Wisconsin Rapid Tribune

MADISON, Wis. — Several Wisconsin Rapids-area fire departments are among 222 departments across the state to receive grants for forest fire prevention.

The Port Edwards and Rome fire departments got two of the largest grants issued in central Wisconsin. The Port Edwards Fire Department received a $6,065 state grant, and the Rome Fire Department got the maximum amount with a $10,000 federal grant, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The Forest Fire Protection Grants were established in 1997 to strengthen local fire departments’ ability to help DNR forestry staff members in fighting wildfires, according to the news release. The grants reimburse departments for training and equipment at a rate of 50 percent.

Read full story: Fire departments get grants for fighting wildfires