NEW ULM – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced local fire departments receiving $372,700 in matching Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants this year.

Rural fire departments must use the grant money for fire protection and comply with existing state and county rural fire protection plans. Grants are made on a 50-50 match basis.

“Priority is given to fire departments that have the greatest need,” said DNR South Fire Supervisor Tom Romaine of New Ulm. “Additional considerations are type of project, fire runs and number of previous years funded.”

Area fire departments receiving $2,500 grants are Tracy, Brewster, Buffalo Lake, Darfur, Lewisville and Ormsby. Receiving $2,000 grants are Springfield, Sacred Heart and St. James. Odin received a $1,700 grant. Seaforth got a $1,300 grant. Receiving $1,000 grants are Milroy and Gibbon.