Because of Hurricane Irene, FEMA has extended the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period. The new deadline for AFG applications is Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. EST.

Applicants who are in the process of completing an application can continue. In addition, FEMA did not have any disruption of service due to the storm and information submitted to date is intact.

FIRE Grants are available to paid, volunteer and combination fire departments and non-affiliated EMS organizations. The $405 million in available grants can be used to fund new equipment and firefighter training. New this year, behavioral-health programs for fire and EMS departments, boats under 20 feet long, and extended warranties are eligible for the program, said Cathie Patterson, FEMA’s branch chief for the grant program.

As far as equipment and apparatus, priority will be given to replacing SCBA that are non-compliant with or manufactured prior to the 2002 edition of NFPA 1981. Ambulances also have a higher priority this year compared to previous years, Patterson said.

Podcast: FEMA Branch Chief Discusses AFG Priorities

Paterson added that firefighter training also is a top priority. In fact, AFG decision-makers emphasized the importance of fire department training in the FY 2011 grant guidance. Higher ratings will be given to those applicants applying for monies to support instructor-led training that is hands-on and leads to a national or state certification, including train-the-trainer initiatives.

FEMA encourages all departments in need to apply for the AFG, Paterson said.

Related Links:

• 2011 AFG Application Tutorial - Text Version
• 2011 AFG Application Tutorial - Enhanced (Flash) Version