The Forsyth County Fire Department’s 2012 boot drive raised $20,820 to support the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation and local fire safety and burn prevention programs.

The total was the fourth largest among all of the participating fire departments across the state.

In a statement, Fire Chief Danny Bowman praised the “overwhelming generosity of the community” during the drive, which was held May 5, 12 and 19 at intersections throughout the county.

“We are always grateful for the support the annual boot drive event receives,” Bowman said.

The donations collected will go to the burn foundation to be used for fire safety and prevention efforts, as well as to support medical facilities and help burn survivors recover. Funds also will go to Camp Oo-U-La for children recovering from burns.

A portion of the total funds raised will be returned to the local fire department to support its education and prevention efforts.

Georgia communities raised more than $450,000 in 2012 through boot drives.