HARRISBURG - State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay announced Friday that $30 million in grants will be available to fire and volunteer ambulance companies who applied for the funds through the Fire Company/Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.

Volunteer Emergency Medical Services will receive $3.6 million and volunteer and career fire companies will receive a total of $26.4 million in funding."Companies across the state started the application process several months ago," Solobay said. "It's important for applicants to take the next step in the process and access their grant agreement forms."Detailed instructions are available online, and we are available to help anyone who needs assistance."The grant program was initiated in 2000 and is funded by gaming revenue. The program is open to all fire companies, volunteer ambulance services and volunteer rescue squads in Pennsylvania. Grant awards can be used for construction or repair of facilities, purchase or repair of equipment, debt reduction and training.Departments wishing to apply for and receive a grant under the Fire Company Emergency Medical Service Grant Program beginning with the 2017-18 grant period must use PennFIRS in order to be eligible to apply.