Application period for federal firefighter grants now open

The application period for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Fiscal Year 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program opened Tuesday and will close at 4 p.m. on Feb. 2.

More than $310 million is available for the grant programs to assist first responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types under the AFG Program, a news release said.

The goal of the AFG Program is to enhance, through direct financial assistance, the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel and to provide a continuum of support for emergency responders regarding fire, medical, and all-hazard events. The program awards grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and State Fire Training Academies for critically needed resources to protect the public, train emergency personnel, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

Applicant tools, including the Notice of Funding Opportunity, for the program will be available at http://www.grants.gov and at http://www.fema. gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program. The Get Ready Guide, available at http://

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/153366, may also be useful for potential applicants and is provided to answer questions and to help prepare grant applications.

Fire department applicants requiring assistance should visit http://www.fema.gov/grants, or contact the AFG Help Desk at firegrants@fema. gov or 866-274-0960.