While fire prevention week has come and gone, efforts to increase fire safety continues.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded a total of $17,078 in grants to three volunteer fire departments in Mercer County.

The grants will go toward helping the awarded departments increase protection from wildfires while encouraging fire safety across the Commonwealth.

The grant recipients are:

  • Clark Volunteer Fire Department: $2,309
  • Transfer Volunteer Fire Department: $9,394
  • West Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department: $5,375

According to a news release from State Rep. Parke Wentling, priority of the grant was placed on projects that include the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing.

Grants could also be used to buy mobile or portable radios, installing dry hydrants, wildfire prevention and mitigation work and more.