The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced applications are open through June 22 for $648 million in grants intended to help fire departments and emergency response organizations nationwide expand staffing, purchase equipment, upgrade facilities and support firefighter health initiatives.
The funding is divided among three FEMA grant programs with overlapping applicant pools.
The largest share, $324 million through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, supports firefighter recruitment, retention and salary costs. SAFER grants are available to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations.
Another $291.6 million is available through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program for fire departments and emergency medical service agencies. Eligible uses include protective equipment, emergency response vehicles and firefighter health and wellness initiatives.
FEMA also allocated $32.4 million through the Fire Prevention and Safety grant program for research, prevention and firefighter safety efforts. Fire departments, nonprofit organizations and academic or research institutions may apply.
Applicants may submit requests to multiple programs, but FEMA says the same costs cannot be requested across separate grant applications.
FEMA officials said the funding is intended to help departments maintain staffing levels, improve emergency response capabilities and support firefighter safety and wellness nationwide.
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