Hamm Announces Grants to Local Fire Companies to Protect Rural Communities from Wildfires

February 25, 2026

MONTOURSVILLE – As Pennsylvania enters its peak spring wildfire season, Representative Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming/Sullivan) is pleased to announce grant funding has been awarded to several local fire companies to strengthen wildfire protection in rural communities in the 84th District.

• Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company received $13,525.
• Waterville Volunteer Fire Company received $6,000.
• Mildred Volunteer Fire Company received $15,000.

“Making sure our rural Volunteer Fire Companies have the tools they need to do their jobs is one of my top priorities as a State Representative,” Hamm said. “I will continue to do everything I can to make sure they have the resources they need to help keep the people of Pennsylvania safe.”

The funding, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, helps local fire companies purchase critical wildfire suppression equipment, protective gear, communications tools, and training.

Grants of up to $15,000 were awarded on a 50/50 cost-share basis to fire companies serving rural communities and municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Priority was given to projects focused on wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing. Funding may also be used for mobile or portable radios, dry hydrant installation, wildfire prevention and mitigation work, wildland firefighter training, and converting vehicles into wildland fire engines.

Since the program began in 1982, more than $14 million has been distributed to support wildfire protection efforts across Pennsylvania. These awards represent federal financial assistance administered by DCNR through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Forest Service.

Pennsylvania’s career and volunteer firefighters regularly respond to woodland and brush fires statewide, and many also deploy with DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry crews to assist with large-scale wildfire response efforts in other states during peak summer conditions.

Representative Joe Hamm
84th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
www.RepJoeHamm.com