ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the 2018 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 49 volunteer fire departments. The projects, distributed throughout 17 counties, aim to assist volunteer fire companies and departments enhance wildland fire protection in rural areas and communities.

The Maryland Forest Service awarded $104,099 in match funding to complete $245,907 in total projects. The maximum grant awarded was $3,000 per department. The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“This essential grant funding will help equip and train local fire companies and departments throughout the state,” Maryland State Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell said. “Through this financial and technical assistance to rural volunteer fire departments, we seek to improve emergency response, firefighter safety and wildland fire suppression capabilities.”

2018 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Awards

CAROLINE

Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company -$4,076 $2,038

Greensboro Volunteer Fire Company - $11,000 $3,000

Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department - $4,700 $2,350

DORCHESTER

Church Creek Volunteer Fire Company - $6,098 $3,000

Eldorado Brookview Volunteer Fire Company - $3,197 $1,598

Lakes and Straits Volunteer Fire Company - $5,817 $2,909

Linkwood Volunteer Fire Company - $5,930 $2,965

Madison Volunteer Fire Department - $3,200 $1,600

Vienna Volunteer Fire Company - $5,654 $2,827