More than a hundred rural and volunteer fire departments across Indiana are getting a boost to help fight wildfires.

The Department of Natural Resources announced over $450,000 in new Volunteer Fire Assistance grants — with awards going to 100 departments in 54 counties. The funds can be used to buy radios, protective gear, and firefighting equipment, or to cover training costs.

The program is run by the DNR’s Division of Forestry in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Grant amounts range from just over one thousand to five thousand dollars, with priority given to departments that protect public lands and actively report wildfire activity.

Knox County departments receiving state funding include Edwardsport, Freelandville, and Vincennes Township Fire Departments — each awarded five thousand dollars. The Edwardsport and Vincennes Township departments will use their grants for safety gear such as SCBAs and turnout equipment, while Freelandville plans to improve its water handling capabilities.

In Pike County, the Petersburg Fire Department will also receive a five-thousand-dollar grant for safety equipment upgrades.

Several departments in Greene and Dubois Counties were selected as well, with awards supporting needs ranging from communications and safety gear to water handling improvements.