Rep. Jimmy Martin and the Alabama Forestry Commission distributed fire grant checks to all local volunteer fire departments Thursday night to help them fight fires throughout the year.

Each department received a check of almost $2,000 to use on purchasing fire and rescue equipment that is needed by each department.

Martin said that this money is given each year to all rural fire departments across the state to purchase anything they might need during the year.

“With the cost of everything going up, anything that can help improve the local fire departments is greatly appreciated by the fire departments,” Martin said.

The funding is allocated through the Alabama Legislature to the Alabama Forestry Commission, which distributes the money to each rural fire department.