Published: July 18, 2007 11:24 am      

Fire department receives grant

The Jones Volunteer Fire Department in Eastern Oklahoma County received an 80/20 cost-sharing grant of $10,000 through the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Rural Fire Protection Matching Grant Program.

The Jones Fire Department used the grant as partial reimbursement for an addition to their existing building at 412 West Main in Jones.

The ODAFF Forestry Division’s Rural Fire Defense Program administers the 80/20 state-funded rural fire protection grants. They are intended to upgrade the capabilities of local fire departments so they can better protect life and property.

It is a reimbursement grant. Fire departments must first spend local funds and are then reimbursed 80 percent of their qualifying expenses.

“This is the 15th year the 80/20 matching grant program has received strong support from the legislature and the governor. Sen. Harry Coats and Speaker of the House Lance Cargill are always fighting for necessary funding for the Jones Fire Department,” said Terry L. Peach, Oklahoma secretary of agriculture. “This competitive grant program has achieved great success across the state. Rural communities and volunteer fire departments have to stretch their resources to obtain the equipment they need. These grants have helped hundreds of departments make improvements, lower fire insurance ratings and reduce fire risk for homeowners and businesses.”

Oklahoma has 875 rural fire departments. They receive nearly $6 million a year in state funding. The services of fire department volunteers provide a benefit to homeowners of $30 million a year in lower insurance premiums each year.

“The wildfire conditions we experience each year in Oklahoma emphasize the importance of a strong rural fire defense system. Volunteer fire fighters, supported by these grants, have saved lives and millions of dollars worth of property,” said State Director of Forestry John Burwell.