Fire Chief Brett O’Dell has been notified of state approval of a $4,985 grant to Marion County Fourth Fire District.

The department will use the grant to help purchase a slide-in pump unit to battle grass fires, O’Dell said.

The money comes from the U.S. Forest Service under the Federal Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act.

Kansas Forest Service administers the program and approves grants to volunteer fire departments.

Ross Hauck, fire management coordinator with the state agency, said grants were available to help organize, train, and equip departments to prevent and suppress fires in rural areas.

“This is a great way for the Kansas Forest Service to encourage small community and rural fire departments to improve their services,” he said. “While the federal share usually does not constitute a large part of a department’s budget, it may make a small impact on a small volunteer department.”

Eligible departments serve communities with fewer than 10,000 people. Departments selected must match the federal money.