The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded more than $762,000 in grants to increase protection from wildfires in Pennsylvania’s small communities, and four fire companies in Butler County received funding.

Chicora Community Hose & Relief Association received $10,800, Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company received $10,000, Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company received $6,300 and Oneida Valley Volunteer Fire Company received $925.

The grants, which were available to communities with fewer than 10,000 residents, may be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires, according to a state news release.

Priority was placed on projects that include the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing.

Grant funds may also be used for mobile or portable radios; installing dry hydrants, wildfire prevention and mitigation work; wildfire fighter training; or converting and maintaining federal excess fire vehicles.