The Department of Land and Natural Resources is offering grants to help communities and private landowners develop proactive wildland fire protection.

This year, the DLNR secured a $585,000 grant from the State Fire Assistance Program under the National Fire Plan, according to a DLNR news release. This money will be used to enhance existing fire breaks to protect the communities of Puako and Waikoloa Village in West Hawaii by reducing the amount of dead trees and shrubs.

A portion of the funds will also be used to reduce the fire danger to Kalawahine Streamside, a community on O'ahu.

Money for the 2009-2010 fiscal year is available through the National Fire Plan, and can be used for fuel hazard reduction projects, fire education and prevention programs, and homeowner and community action. Communities are encouraged to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan prior to applying for the grant.

"Communities that have been successful in having their applications processed and approved have a strong commitment in protecting their homes," said Paul Conry, DLNR Division of Forestry and wildlife administrator. "Communities must be able to show that they can provide matching funds such as volunteer time or cash."

Applications are due by close of business Sept. 11. The money will be available for fiscal year 2010, and projects which are chosen will be able to begin on July 1, 2009.

Grant applications may be obtained by contacting Wayne Ching, DLNR's State Protection Forester at 587-4173 or by e-mail at wayne.f.ching@hawaii.gov. A copy can also be downloaded from the DOFAW Web site at www.dofaw.net.

Here are some helpful tips to keep communities "Firewise":

DLNR reminds homeowners who live in areas that are intermixed or interspersed with brush or vegetation to take these preventive measures to protect their homes: