There have been massive fires in the past that have torn up hillsides in Massachusetts and that can happen again. Meanwhile, the state continues to build outdoor recreational areas and conserve more land.

 

On Thursday, state Department of Conservation Chief Fire Warden David Celino delivered some $7,000 in grants to five rural volunteer fire departments to help protect those who will be responding the next forest fire.

 

"This is great news in protecting these vistas out here, but it comes with a certain amount of responsibility that gets laid on our volunteer fire departments," Celino said.

 

"They become responsible for fire protection in these recreational areas and conservation areas. But not only wild land fire protect, but it is also search and rescue and medical response and everything in between. It is important that we recognize that responsibility."

 

In Windsor, the town received a little more than $1,000 to purchase new helmets, hand tools, a hose and adapters. 

 

"This grant allows Windsor and other small volunteers with limited budgets like ours to give our firefighters the best possible equipment, gear and training. Our goal in wildfires is not just to protect the environment but also the adjacent residents and above all, we need to protect our firefighters," said Chief Scott Eastwood. 

 

The grants help the fire departments in small towns stay prepared. For a place like Windsor, there is a massive amount of open space but only a small tax base to keep the department up to date with equipment.

 

"The town of Windsor is bare bones on the budget. We're held together by Duct tape and bubble gum, so we appreciate anything we can get," said Selectman Brian Koczela of the grant.

 

In Becket, Town Administrator Edward Gibson said the $2,000 grant will be used to fix fire hydrants. The town often has to resort to pulling water from lakes and ponds but that can't be done in the winter. Adams Forest Warden Dick Kleiner is buying 1,100 feet of new hose and nozzles with $1,000 he received. Williamstown Forest Warden Rick Daniels is buying 10 sets of turnout gear. Otis Fire Chief Sandy Pinkham is buying a portable and floating pump, hose, nozzle and parts.

 

Windsor Fire Chief Scott Eastwood is buying new helmets, hose and handtools with the matching grant.

In total the Berkshires received some $7,000 in grants to the five departments. DCR is awarding some $65,000 to 41 departments statewide. The grants are matching and only towns under a certain population can apply. 

 

"We're not unfamiliar with the potential here in Massachusetts and we know history repeats itself," said Celiano.

 

As recently as four years ago when a large forest fire consumed hundreds of acres in Lanesborough, volunteers have been asked to protect state-owned land. 

 

"It is a large job to be tasked to protect it," said Windsor Selectman Scott Brockway. 

 

However, the volunteers are dedicated to doing it. Brockway said on Wednesday when a structure fire damaged a couple rooms of a home, he was impressed watching Eastwood work with about a half dozen other volunteer departments. 

 

"It was all being handled by one department. Scott Eastwood was doing it flawlessly," Brockway said.

 

State Sen. Benjamin Downing said it is those type of efforts that makes small towns work. Downing represents 52 of the state's 351 communities and his district covers a massive geographic area but a small population.

 

"I am thrilled to be here today to announce these grants that we all know there is a great need for," said Downing.