Commission Accepts Forestry and Hazmat Grants for Rural Fire Districts
The Saline County Commission accepted several grants benefiting rural fire districts and emergency response, presented by Michelle Weis, emergency management director.
Rural Fire District 3 was awarded $9,456 under the 2026 forestry grant to purchase 10 sets of personal protective equipment, a ProPak foam unit, and booster nozzles. The 50/50 match grant allows the district to use its special equipment funds for the purchase and be reimbursed $4,728, according to Weis.
Rural Fire District 5 was awarded $6,870 under the forestry grant to purchase four sets of PPE, hot shields, and rogue hoes. Under the same 50/50 match structure, the district would be reimbursed $3,435.
Weis also presented two grants received through the local emergency planning committee using hazardous materials funding. One grant of $10,510 will send six hazmat technicians from Salina Fire to an international conference. A second grant of $6,250 will fund a rural hazmat response training focused on the realistic standard of personnel and equipment available to rural districts. In total, Weis said the county was awarded $16,760 in that program, with a 20% match covered through a soft match of personnel hours and benefits.
Commissioners praised the volunteer firefighters and staff who prepare the grant applications. One commissioner said he did not think "the public realizes sometimes how much these grants really help the budget and keep us from spending other taxpayer money." The commission approved each grant item.
