WASHINGTON – Seven Maine fire departments will receive grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, all under the Assistance to Firefighters Program, according to members of Maine’s congressional delegation.

Fire departments in Byron, Hartland, Hudson, Levant, Seboeis Plantation, Shapleigh and Solon are receiving the grants.

“Maine’s rural nature means that many of our state’s 494 fire departments cover vast areas, thereby preventing communities from sharing services or otherwise cooperating to achieve cost efficiencies,” U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins said in a joint press release. “This funding will help these seven fire departments meet the increased demands to provide services on which we all depend.”

These funds “will help to purchase needed protective equipment and firefighting gear,” said U.S. Rep. John Baldacci in a separate release.

Fire departments slated to receive grants are:

. Byron Volunteer Fire Department – $17,352 for personal protective equipment.

. Hartland Volunteer Fire Department – $74,239 for personal protective equipment.

. Hudson Fire Department – $10,701 for firefighting equipment.

. Levant Fire & Rescue Department – $16,650 for firefighting equipment.

. Seboeis Plantation Volunteer Fire Department – $4,950 for personal protective equipment.

. Ross Corner Fire Company, Shapleigh – $18,000 for personal protective equipment.

. Solon Fire Department – $345,200 for firefighting equipment.