Higgins announces federal fire grants available for fire safety & prevention

FP&S Grant applications due Feb. 18

Congressman Brian Higgins announced the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant application period is now open with a deadline of 5 p.m. Feb. 18.

“In times of emergency, a quick and well-trained response can make a critical difference and save lives,” Higgins said. “The Fire Prevention & Safety program works to support education and training efforts to ensure firefighters and our community are prepared, keeping them safe. We encourage local departments and nonprofit organizations to apply.”

With the primary goal of reducing injury and preventing death among high-risk populations, FP&S grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and work to support projects in fire departments and nonprofit organizations that enhance safety for both the public and firefighters.

Congress approved $46 million through appropriations and American Rescue Plan funding for FP&S grants in the current cycle. Eligible uses of the federal funding include public education, training, juvenile fire programs, arson investigation and code enforcement. In 2005, Congress expanded eligible uses of FP&S funds to include firefighter safety research and development, such as clinical studies or technology and product development.

Live webinars hosted by FEMA will serve to provide an overview of the program and application process, as well as assistance in preparing application materials for interested fire departments. The first in the series runs from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, with additional sessions found here: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/workshops.

Applicants with questions can also contact the fire grants help desk at [email protected] or 1-866-274-0960 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. More information on the FP&S grant program is available at https://www.fema.gov/fire-prevention-safety-grants.