The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the 15th round of the FY 2005 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program, awarding grants to two fire departments and a professional association.

This most recent round of grant awards provides about $836,000 to support fire prevention and safety efforts that focus on the safety of high-risk target groups, such as children, seniors and firefighters. Topping this list of grant recipients is the International Association of Arson Investigators, which will receive $740,775. The Hartford (Conn.) Fire Department will receive $91,654, and the Columbia (La.) Volunteer Fire Department will receive $3,600.

“We recognize the importance of these grants in helping to keep our firefighters safe and healthy, and in curbing preventable fires from occurring in the first place,” said Tracy A. Henke, assistant secretary of the Office of Grants and Training.

The safety grant program will issue approximately 400 awards worth at least $32.5 million. The program prioritizes projects focusing on preventing fire-related injuries to children. Many of these awards represent innovative solutions for the delivery of fire prevention activities throughout the United States. In addition to these priorities, these grants support research focusing on ways to improve the safety and health of firefighters.

“The federal government continues to support the critical work of our nation’s firefighters through the Fire Prevention and Safety grants by addressing the issues that can help prevent fires from happening,” said Charlie Dickinson, USFA deputy administrator. The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program is administered by the Office of Grants and Training in cooperation with the USFA.

For a list of grant recipients and amounts, go to the FPS Grants Web site.