Des Moines, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) – Firefighters face a variety of challenges with each call, but heading to fight a wildfire on the open plains needs additional strategies and tools. Now, several Volunteer Fire Departments in Northwest Iowa have received grant money to help.

Nearly $416,00 in 50 percent cost-share grants were awarded to 138 Iowa Rural Fire Departments to help their efforts to protect Iowans and their property from Wildfires. The grants offer valuable funding assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications equipment.

The 2024 Fire Assist Grants were issued through Iowa DNR Forestry with the U.S. Forest Service – State and Private Forestry. Northwest Iowa Volunteer Fire Assist Grants went to departments in Alta, Cherokee, Fostoria, Granville, Milford, Meriden, Orange City, Quimby and Sibley.