Lake City, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture awarded wildland fire suppression kits to 65 rural fire departments across the state, including a Craighead County fire department.
The Lake City Volunteer Fire Department received a kit. These kits contain wildfire suppression tools and protective gear, such as personal protective equipment, leaf blowers, backpack pumps and rakes. According to an Arkansas Department of Agriculture press release, the kits are valued at around $4,850 per unit and are funded in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant.
The Lake City Volunteer Fire Department acknowledged receiving the kit on its Facebook page, where it thanked the Arkansas Forestry Commission for the kit, as well as the MFA Oil Foundation for awarding it a separate grant allowing the department to purchase lights and batteries.
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“Our rural volunteer fire departments play an essential role in Arkansas’ wildfire response,” said Arkansas State Forester Kyle Cunningham in the press release. “These kits ensure that the firefighters who know their communities best have the tools they need to respond quickly and safely. Their commitment and expertise remain vital in protecting lives and property across the state.”
Interested fire departments must submit applications, which are then evaluated based on district population, response area size, equipment needs, and more. The next application period is expected to open in August, according to the press release.
The full list of rural fire departments that received kits can be viewed here.
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