Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services recently received a $4,113 grant for water-handling equipment. InkFreeNews file photo.

Staff Report

ETNA GREEN — More than 70 rural and volunteer fire departments, including Etna Green, from 46 counties have been awarded more than $319,000 in volunteer fire assistance grants, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner announced.

The awards will be used for training, installation of dry hydrants or to purchase necessary firefighting equipment and gear to combat wildland fires. The grants are administered by the DNR’s Division of Forestry and made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Recipients were selected based on population density, acres of public wildlands protected, and wildland fire reporting to DNR Fire Control Headquarters. As in past years, emphasis was given to projects that involve the fighting of wildfires.

The awarded grants range from $1,590 to $5,000 and were given to 73 departments.

Locally, Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services received $4,113 for water-handling equipment. Fire Chief Randall Byrer said the money will be used to replace a pump and motor on its grass rig.

“I am totally relieved and very appreciative of the DNR,” he said.