The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has successfully obtained a $20,000 grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) under the 2022 Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant Program. This financial boost is earmarked for the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Paid-Call/Volunteer Firefighters serving the rural communities of the county.
With the grant, coupled with an equal match of $20,000 from the district’s reserves, San Bernardino aims to significantly improve the safety of its firefighters through the purchase of around 100 sets of fire-retardant clothing. This equipment is important for the protection of firefighters as they engage in their duties, improving their ability to respond effectively to emergencies in areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
The initiative demonstrates a strategic collaboration between local and state entities to support the essential services provided by firefighters in less populated areas. The agreement reflects a financially responsible approach to improving emergency services infrastructure.
This grant not only represents an investment in the safety and efficiency of firefighting operations but also underscores the commitment of County Fire to ensuring the wellbeing of both its residents and the emergency personnel who serve them. By improving the capabilities of its volunteer firefighters with state-of-the-art protective gear, County Fire aims to ensure that its rural communities remain safe and well-protected against the threat of fires.