ODNR Division of Forestry Provides More than $593K to Support Rural Ohio Fire Departments

Fifty Township Volunteer Fire Departments Awarded Funding from the Ohio State Fire Marshal

Nearly 200 fire departments across Ohio will receive funding to improve equipment, training, and facilities. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal awarded $7.99 million through the new Small County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) Grant, benefiting 190 departments in 49 counties, including 50 townships.

Created through House Bill 96, the one-time grant supports departments in counties with populations of 70,000 or fewer. Funding will help departments purchase essential equipment, upgrade facilities, and expand training opportunities.

State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon emphasized that volunteer departments (many serving rural communities) are vital to Ohio’s emergency response but often operate with limited budgets.

About 70% of Ohio’s nearly 1,200 fire departments rely on volunteers, though participation has declined in recent years even as call volumes increase. The SCVFD grant is part of broader efforts to support volunteer fire services, including free training through the Ohio Fire Academy, recruitment initiatives, and additional grant programs.

A full list of departments who will receive funding can be found here.

This first appeared in the May/June 2026 issue of the Ohio Township News magazine. Contact the OTA at communications@ohiotownships.org to submit your township stories.