Sixty rural and volunteer fire departments in Indiana, including two in Jackson County, have received Volunteer Fire Assistance grants from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Owen-Salt Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive $4,996 for water handling equipment, and Pershing Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $1,849 grant to combat wildland fires.

The state has awarded more than $250,000 through the U.S Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Grants range from $575 to $5,000 and can be used for training, installation of dry hydrants or to purchase firefighting equipment and gear to fight wildland fires.

Fire departments interested in applying for a grant should write to Crystal M. Hunt, program coordinator, Fire Control Headquarters, 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville, IN 46151 or call 765-342-4701.