Applications are now being accepted for federally-funded “Volunteer Fire Assistance” grants to help rural fire departments enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities.

Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the program is administered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Application deadline is June 15.

Last year, the program provided $1,000 grants to 466 fire departments. It is anticipated funding will be decreased for 2011.

Only expenses directly related to fire suppression efforts are eligible for funding. These include the purchase of portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, light-weight fireproof clothing (Nomex), hard hats, turnout gear, portable radios, generators and dry hydrants. Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as search and rescue, acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases and maintenance items are not eligible for funding.

Eligible fire companies include those that serve a single town with a population of 10,000 or less and those that serve multiple communities one of which is a rural town of less than 10,000 residents. Fire companies in towns with a population of 10,000 or more may be eligible if they meet the requirements listed on the application. Fire departments must provide half the cost of the project being funded.

Preference will be given to fire departments that have not received funding in the past five years under the Volunteer Fire Assistance/Rural Community Fire Protection Program.

For applications or further information about the grant program, contact DEC at (518) 402-8839, or write to NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection, 625 Broadway 8th Floor, Albany, NY, 12233-2560 or, visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2364.html