Two Weeks Remain for FIRE Act Grant Applications 

May 6, 2009 – The deadline for applications for Fiscal Year 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (FIRE Act) ) is Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Program guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is available online.

The IAFF urgess its affiliates to work with their fire departments to apply for these grants, which are designed to help fire departments purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs and buy equipment and response vehicles. "Fire Act grants among the most effective and efficient federal grant programs, and have provided significant resources to help local fire departments afford critically-needed equipment and training," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "With the current economic crisis forcing many communities to cut their fire department budgets and reduce services, the FIRE Act program is more important than ever."

To be distributed in phases, FIRE Act grants will ultimately provide $510 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. An applicant tutorial provides valuable grant information, assistance in preparing and submitting competitive applications and includes an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.

For more information or assistance, contact the Assistance to Firefighters Grants help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or email firegrants@dhs.gov. The help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDT throughout the application period, but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume and demand.

The FIRE Act program is administered by the DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.