Beginning March 6 at 8 a.m. EST, the Department of Homeland Security will begin accepting applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program. The deadline for receipt of the FIRE Grant applications is 5 p.m. EDT on April 7.

Applications are automated and accessible via the AFG Web site. The site contains useful background information on FIRE Grant funding priorities and program guidance, as well as a tutorial on applying and other useful materials. Potential applicants who have questions regarding these grant opportunities should contact the Help Desk at 866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov.

The AFG is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants and Training in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The AFG Program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. In addition the AFG Program allows for non-fire based EMS organizations to apply for grants.

The program office offers three grant opportunities. The AFG funds are used by the nation's firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting and emergency response operations, to improve firefighter health and safety programs. The application period for SAFER Grants is scheduled for June. SAFER Grants provide funding for the hiring of firefighting personnel and incentives for volunteer recruitment and retention. The third grant opportunity will be in September, when AFG opens an application period for fire prevention and safety grants. These grants support not only fire departments, but also other organizations involved in fire prevention and in firefighter safety research. Through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2006, Congress provided $648 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants, with $108 million of the funding specified for SAFER and a minimum of $27 million for fire prevention and safety.